Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities have arrested the mayor of Tha Sila subdistrict, Sakon Nakhon province, along with an accomplice, for allegedly accepting bribes from municipal contract workers in exchange for contract renewals.

 

The arrests followed an investigation by the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Region 4, in collaboration with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Police Anti-Corruption Division. The operation, led by Mr. Phumvisan Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the PACC, took place at the mayor’s office in Tha Sila on the morning of 3 September.

 

According to the investigation, the mayor, referred to as Suspect 1, allegedly convened a meeting with 50–60 municipal contract staff, confiscating all communication devices. He reportedly informed them that the municipality lacked sufficient budget and that some contracts would be terminated unless staff met with him individually.

 

Contract workers who met the mayor in private were allegedly told that a payment of 25,000 baht per person was required to secure contract renewal. One complainant attempted to negotiate a two-installment payment, handing over 15,000 baht to Suspect 2 at a private shop as directed by the mayor, before paying the remaining 10,000 baht in the same manner.

 

Evidence gathered included testimonies from multiple staff members who had already paid under similar circumstances. Authorities also noted attempts by the mayor to conceal the bribery by using written notes instead of verbal requests, marking the amount “25,000” on a sign.

 

Based on these findings, the PACC and NACC requested arrest warrants from the Regional Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Public Office. The warrants, issued on 21 August 2025, charged the mayor with abusing his official position to solicit bribes, failing to perform duties honestly, and committing acts of corruption under Sections 149 and 157 of the Thai Criminal Code, as well as Sections 172 and 173 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption, B.E. 2561. Suspect 2 has been charged as an accomplice in the scheme.

 

Both suspects are now in custody pending further legal proceedings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-04

 

 

 

corruption at every level in thailand is just business as usual ... nothing to be surprised ...