Crime Senior Official Arrested in Road Project Bribe Case

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

Anti-corruption authorities have arrested the provincial administration chief officer of Mukdahan while at his office, in connection with allegations of extorting a private contractor in exchange for approving road construction payments.

 

The arrest, carried out on 22 August, involved officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Anti-Corruption Division and related agencies. The suspect, identified as Acting Lt. Col. Watthikorn, 66, faced a warrant issued by the Central Region Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct, under Sections 148 and 157 of the Thai Criminal Code. He is accused of abusing his official position to coerce the contractor into paying bribes and failing to perform his duties properly to the detriment of others.

 

The case arose after a private construction company reported that the official had demanded payments in return for signing off on budget releases for seven road improvement projects won in a public bid, totalling 12.77 million baht. The company had completed all works correctly and obtained official acceptance signatures, but only two projects were released for payment.

 

Investigators allege that the official solicited 10 per cent of the total contract value, from the contractor. Fearing that refusal would block further payments, the company initially delivered 500,000 baht in cash. When the official reportedly demanded the remaining amount, the company lodged a formal complaint, prompting the police investigation.

 

During initial questioning, Watthikorn denied all allegations. Authorities are continuing to search his office and personal workspace for further evidence before formally handing him over to investigators for prosecution.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-24