Fake Vaccine Scandal Hits Thai Military in Sudan

Picture courtesy of ผู้พิทักษ์1 Facebook

In a startling turn of events, a Thai military medical officer has been apprehended for allegedly deceiving over 200 soldiers in South Sudan by administering fake influenza vaccines. The arrest, which took place in Samut Prakan, comes after an investigation revealed that Lieutenant Chinnawa, also known as Borisut, misled his colleagues into receiving fraudulent vaccines.

Lieutenant Chinnawa had been serving as a doctor at a field hospital within the Thai/South Sudan special engineering company. Reports suggest he fabricated orders from a mission medical officer to push these supposed vaccines on his superiors and subordinates. The unraveling of this deception traced back to his attempts to claim reimbursement of over 180,000 baht (approximately US$5,800) for these bogus vaccines.

The investigation, spearheaded by Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasert, uncovered that the substance used was not an actual influenza vaccine but rather a much cheaper alternative. This revelation led the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to classify his actions as misconduct, resulting in the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Bangkok Military Court.

In collaboration with the Bureau of Special Investigations, Police Colonel Manoon Kaewgam executed the arrest yesterday at a petrol station on King Kaew Road. Despite facing serious allegations, Lieutenant Chinnawa chose to remain silent, denying any wrongdoing, and is now in the hands of the Bangkok Military Court prosecutor.

This case highlights significant concerns over accountability within military ranks, especially in overseas operations. The incident has prompted calls for tighter scrutiny of medical practices and procurement processes within military settings to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In a separate but related event, authorities in Samut Prakan apprehended a fake doctor in February. This individual was caught administering injections illegally at a clinic, further underscoring the pressing need for stringent enforcement of medical regulations.

These incidents, occurring within such proximity, have sparked discussions about the broader implications for public trust in healthcare systems, both at home and in international missions. As investigations continue, many await the complete unveiling of this intricate case and the lessons it might impart for preventing future breaches in medical ethics and military integrity.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-03