Local Chief Arrested Over Alleged Permit Bribery Plot

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

A senior local government figure has been arrested on corruption charges linked to alleged demands for money in exchange for construction permits. On 25 December, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau detained Mr Surachai, 64, the head of Huawha Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Si Maha Phot district, Prachin Buri province, as he attempted to surrender to police to contest the case.

The arrest was carried out under a warrant issued by the Region 2 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct on 24 December. Mr Surachai faces multiple charges, including jointly demanding unlawful benefits as a state official and malfeasance in office, offences that carry serious criminal penalties under Thai law.

The case stems from an earlier operation on 11 November, when officers from Sub-Division 2 of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Division arrested Sgt Maj Chakraphan, 45, head of the planning and construction section of Huawha SAO and Mr Sayan, also known as “Sia Noi”, 63, a major local contractor. Investigators allege the pair extorted 6.5 million baht from a small business operator in return for issuing a warehouse construction permit.

Following those arrests, police expanded their inquiry and examined financial transaction trails linked to the two suspects. Investigators said the evidence pointed to Mr Surachai, who had direct authority to approve construction permits and was supported by communication records showing contact between him and the other suspects during negotiations with the alleged victim.

The investigation also unfolded amid widespread local rumours that Mr Surachai had paid 10 million baht to Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, to have the case dropped. Police accelerated evidence-gathering and sought an arrest warrant after suspecting Mr Surachai was aware of the impending charges and had kept a low profile before travelling to the CIB headquarters.

During questioning, Mr Surachai denied all allegations, saying he had no involvement in the extortion scheme or the issuance of permits in exchange for money. He also rejected claims that he had cited or used the name of “Big Tao”, insisting he had never attempted to influence the case and believed the rumours were spread to discredit him.

Matichon reported that police have handed Mr Surachai over to investigators at Sub-Division 2 of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Division for further legal proceedings. Authorities said the inquiry will continue in accordance with due process as prosecutors review the evidence.

Key Takeaways

• The Huawha SAO chief was arrested on 25 December 2568 under a corruption court warrant issued a day earlier.

• Investigators allege a 6.5 million baht extortion linked to construction permits involving local officials and a contractor.

• The suspect denies all charges and rejects rumours of a 10 million baht payoff to clear the case.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-27