Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

On 11 September, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and police arrested Mr Veerachet, Director of the Public Works Department at Lak Hok Subdistrict Municipality, Patum Thani, for soliciting a total of 390,000 baht in bribes for construction permits. The arrest took place at his office after a coordinated investigation with undercover evidence provided by the complainant.

 

The case originated when a complainant applied for permission to fill 4 rai 2 ngan of land and build an eight-storey dormitory at Lak Hok Subdistrict. Mr Veerachet demanded 10,000 baht per rai for the land-filling permit and 400,000 baht for the construction permit. The complainant reported the extortion to the NACC after recognising it as improper and provided cash as evidence for a planned sting operation.

 

On 1 September, during follow-up meetings at the municipality office, Mr Veerachet offered to reduce the fees to 40,000 baht for land filling and 350,000 baht for the building permit, to be paid in two instalments. The first payment of 150,000 baht was due upon submission of the construction application and the remaining 200,000 baht upon receipt of the permit. The NACC and Patum Thani Provincial Police Division 1 monitored these transactions closely as part of the investigation.

 

On 11 September, the complainant handed over 190,000 baht in cash at Mr Veerachet’s office under police surveillance. Officers executed a court-approved search, recovering the cash hidden under the director’s desk, matching the serial numbers previously documented. Mr Veerachet was arrested and charged under multiple sections of the Criminal Code and the Anti-Corruption Act, including soliciting or accepting benefits unlawfully and dereliction of duty resulting in damage to others.

 

Authorities stated that Mr Veerachet’s case demonstrates strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws in municipal offices. The investigation also highlights the NACC’s use of undercover operations and coordinated monitoring with law enforcement to ensure transparency and accountability.

 

Mr Veerachet was taken into custody at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, where investigators will collect additional evidence before formally submitting the case to the NACC for further action within 30 days, as stipulated under the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Mr Veerachet was arrested for soliciting 390,000 baht in bribes for land-filling and building permits.

• The NACC and police used a controlled cash handover and search to secure evidence.

• He faces multiple charges under anti-corruption and criminal laws, with the case now proceeding to formal investigation.

 

Related stories:

 

Mayor-arrested-over-bribery-scheme-involving-contract-workers

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1372245-housing-committee-head-arrested-for-bribery-fraud/

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-09-13

 

 

 

One down and how many thousands to go?

 

 

That was a golden pointing opportunity missed....

Anybody have any idea how much a building permit for that type of construction should cost - presuming a 'normal' legal issuance?

Thais can not help themselves,   corruption is ingrained into there nature,  what they do they do not believe is corruption, just normal business     

Somebody got greedy, didn't let the cream rise to the top.