Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 4 has sentenced former Nong Khai provincial police commander Pol Maj Gen Pirat to two years in prison without suspension. The ruling, delivered on 19 September in Khon Kaen, found him guilty of abusing his authority, falsifying official documents and using forged papers. The case stems from actions taken while he served as commander of Nong Khai Provincial Police and deputy chairman of the province’s police oversight committee.

 

The lawsuit was filed by Damrong, a former member of the Nong Khai Police Administrative Oversight Committee, under case number 169/2567. Damrong had been appointed to the committee under order 5/2565 on 17 August 2022, with a two-year term ending on 17 August 2024. However, the defendant allegedly bypassed this appointment, issuing an order to set up a subcommittee to select new members in August 2023, effectively excluding the plaintiff from his role.

 

Further evidence showed that on 1 February 2024, the defendant submitted a memorandum to the Nong Khai governor, who chaired the committee, enclosing draft order 2/2567. This order proposed the appointment of new committee members by claiming the existing members’ terms had already expired on 18 August 2023. As a result, the plaintiff was removed from office prematurely, which the court determined was an act of deliberate harassment after the plaintiff had raised concerns over alleged bribery linked to the defendant.

 

During proceedings, the defendant denied the charges, but the court accepted witness testimony and documentary evidence showing he had acted unlawfully. The ruling cited Section 157 of the Criminal Code and Section 172 of the Organic Act on Counter Corruption B.E. 2561 as the basis for conviction, with sentencing determined under Section 90 of the Criminal Code. The court noted the defendant had even attempted to deceive the court by submitting falsified official documents and had sought to intimidate subordinates who refused to comply with unlawful instructions.

 

The judges stated the defendant had shown no remorse, instead pursuing disciplinary and criminal measures against colleagues and witnesses who testified under court summons. The court ruled these actions demonstrated a persistent abuse of authority and a lack of accountability. Accordingly, it declared the offence severe enough to warrant immediate imprisonment without suspension of sentence.

 

The verdict highlights continued scrutiny of senior law enforcement officials in Thailand over accountability and misuse of power. Investigators are expected to continue monitoring related cases to ensure compliance with anti-corruption legislation. The sentencing also sends a warning to other officials that falsification of records and abuse of office will carry firm legal consequences.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Former Nong Khai police commander Pirat sentenced to two years’ jail.

• Court found him guilty of misconduct, abuse of authority, and forgery.

• Judges ruled suspension inappropriate due to deliberate and repeated actions.

 

Related Stories

 

Fair-party-urges-action-on-citizenship-bribes-in-Thailand

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1372992-Ex-treasurer-jailed-for-50-years-for-local-fund-fraud

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-22

 

 

 

 

 

Good - keep it up !