Police Chief Denies Allegations of Diverting Funds

[Jacob Maslow]

Thung Song police chief Somchai Suatortrakul defended himself on Thursday against allegations that he diverted funds designated for criminal investigations for his own personal use. The accusations were made by Suatortrakul’s subordinate, Pol Col Santirak Sanyapiboon.

Sanyapiboon alleges that Suatortrakul kept half of the 800,000 baht earmarked for crime investigation and suppression for himself. The Royal Thai Police provided the quarterly funding. Pol Gen Ake Angsananont was petitioned to investigate the alleged misconduct. Help was sought also from Nakhon Si Thammarat police, but their answer was to transfer him to another police station in the Chawang district.

Pol Col Somchai Suatortrakul denies the allegations, and states that he is not angry with Pol Col Santirak Sanyapiboon. Pol Col Somchai stated that the funds were handed over every three months and that he was not in complete control of where the funds went. He stated that a 10-person committee oversaw the funds. Because Thung Song is a large district, local police had to handle a large number of cases.

According to Pol Col Somchai, investigators who requested funds had to submit an application and supporting written evidence to the funding committee before a cheque could be issued. Somchai alleges that the problem arose when Pol Col Santirak wanted to withdraw money without presenting documentation.

-- 2015-05-15

[h90]

I would deny it too............

It is normal, he must pay back the credit he had to take to buy himself into the police chief position....

[Cuchulainn]

..........Pol Col Somchai Suatortrakul states that he is not angry with Pol Col Santirak Sanyapiboon.............

Uh huh. Wait till all this blows over and his body will be found in a ditch.

[clockman]

No smoke without fire!

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

once he gave the funds to his mia noi, he had no control over the funds anyore.