Governor Fires Subdistrict Chief Over Corruption

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

The Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat has dismissed the head of a subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found credible evidence of misconduct in a public renovation project.

According to an official order dated 30 July 2025, Mr. Somchai Leelanoi, Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, signed directive No. 4850/2568 ordering Mr. Chalermphop to vacate his position as Mayor of the Na Pho SAO in Thung Song District.

The dismissal was made under Section 92 of the Subdistrict Council and Subdistrict Administrative Organisation Act B.E. 2537 (1994), as amended to the 7th version (B.E. 2562), in conjunction with Section 98 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018).

The investigation followed complaints filed with the NACC, which alleged that the SAO head had authorised renovation work at the SAO office building. However, only his personal office was refurbished, with no improvements made to other areas of the facility. The contract, worth 121,400 baht, was found to have been awarded to an associate of the mayor. The project was reportedly initiated prior to formal contracting, in violation of procurement regulations.

The NACC concluded that Mr. Chalermphop’s actions were aimed at personal benefit rather than the improvement of services for staff and the general public. It further determined that the conduct amounted to a criminal offence and constituted a serious breach of duty, either through wilful neglect or improper use of authority, in violation of Section 90/1 of the Subdistrict Council Act.

Following the dismissal, Ms. Thipamphon Khamsri, the permanent secretary of Na Pho SAO, confirmed that she had assumed acting responsibilities for the mayoral post and had begun coordinating with the Election Commission regarding the process of electing a new mayor.

The Election Commission is expected to make an official announcement on 7 August. Candidate registration is scheduled for 11–15 August, with the election date set for 21 September 2025.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-03