Former Health Centre Director Arrested After 10 Years as Monk

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Police have arrested a former subdistrict health centre director who evaded justice for a decade by ordaining as a monk in Nonthaburi. The man, accused of forging documents and embezzling over 650,000 baht from a public health insurance fund, was detained at a well-known temple in Bang Bua Thong District.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, directed Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Chalampan, commander of the Anti-Corruption Police Division (ACPD), and Pol. Col. Sanuwong Kongkain, superintendent of the 4th sub-division, to coordinate with Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) officials in apprehending the suspect. The man, identified as Mr. Thanayot or Phongphat, aged 58, was wanted under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1 on 10 January 2025.

The charges include misappropriation of public assets, misconduct in office and document forgery committed in his capacity as a state official. Mr. Thanayot was found residing as a monk at a temple in Sano Loi Subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi.

Investigations revealed that while serving as acting director of a local subdistrict health promotion hospital in Nonthaburi, he had forged the signatures of other officials to withdraw funds from the Universal Health Coverage account and local health insurance fund. The fraudulent withdrawals occurred about three times, amounting to approximately 652,000 baht, which he allegedly spent for personal use.

When the irregularities were discovered, Mr. Thanayot fled the area before authorities could take action. He subsequently ordained as a monk at Wat Laharn in Nonthaburi and even served as the temple treasurer, with monks reportedly unaware of his criminal background.

During questioning, the suspect confessed to all charges, admitting that he had gone into hiding as a monk after committing the offences. He was handed over to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1 in Saraburi for further legal proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• A former public health official was arrested after 10 years hiding as a monk in Nonthaburi.

• He is accused of forging documents and embezzling over 650,000 baht from a health insurance fund.

• The suspect confessed and was transferred to the anti-corruption court in Saraburi for prosecution.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-10-26