Rayong Subdistrict Chief Sentenced to 5 Years for Bribery

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

On 22 September 2025, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Region 2 sentenced Mr. Surin, the head of the Samk Thong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) in Mueang District, Rayong, to five years in prison. The conviction relates to soliciting a bribe from a contractor responsible for building a concrete road.

The case arose after a contractor won a bid in May 2024 for a concrete road project worth 835,000 baht. On 28 June 2024, Mr. Surin allegedly demanded 13% of the contract value, approximately 100,434 baht, to be paid later in cash. Officials from the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) subsequently arrested Mr. Surin with the money as evidence.

Prosecutors charged Mr. Surin with four counts: illicitly soliciting or accepting property, corruptly performing or neglecting official duties, abusing authority in his position and soliciting benefits for himself or others as a government official. The court found sufficient evidence to convict him on all charges, leading to the five-year sentence.

Following the ruling, Mr. Surin’s lawyer requested bail during the appeal process, posting 600,000 baht in cash. The court approved the request, allowing him to remain free until the appeal is heard. Authorities emphasised that the ruling underscores strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws in public office.

Investigators and prosecutors are continuing to monitor related administrative activities to prevent further misconduct. The case serves as a reference for future corruption prevention measures within local government operations.

Key Takeaways

• The Samk Thong SAO chief received a five-year prison sentence for soliciting bribes from a road contractor.

• Charges included abuse of authority, corruption and illicitly accepting property.

• The court granted bail during the appeal, with a 600,000 baht cash bond posted.

Related Stories

Ex-Nong-Khai-police-chief-jailed-two-years-for-misconduct/

Ex-Bang-Kaeo-mayor-jailed-6-years-over-fire-truck-graft

  Adapted by Asean Now from Siamnews 2025-09-23