JUNE 12, 2024: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is pursuing charges against the former warden of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Prison for criminal liability in a prisoner-run business operation.
The finding follows an investigation of Sutin Chidchob (สุทิน ชิดชอบ) who was accused of misusing power to establish a housewives’ group to sell food and drinks within the prison without necessary permissions.
Chutarat Luangpermsakul (จุฑารัตน์ เหลืองเพิ่มสกุล), the NACC Provincial Director, revealed that between July 2014 and September 2015, Sutin ordered the formation of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Prison Housewives’ Club despite lacking regulations or guidelines. This club produced goods for sale in the prison welfare shop without legal backing and failed to deduct up to 8% from the sales proceeds for government revenue.
Investigators alleged that the club’s financial management was solely handled by one individual, who did not share profits with other listed members and used the club’s name for personal gain. Sutin thus may be criminally liable for abusing his position for personal benefit and failing to oversee the club’s activities.
The allegations against Sutin fall under several sections of the Penal Code and the amended Organic Act on Counter Corruption (2018). Other officers accused in this case faced various charges: one under the Civil Service Act (2008) and others with similar charges as Sutin. The welfare shop manager was only found guilty of minor disciplinary violations for failing to deduct the required percentage from sales revenue.
The NACC has forwarded the investigation reports, evidence, and decisions to the Attorney General to pursue criminal proceedings against Sutin Chidchob and his accomplices. Additionally, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Prison has been instructed to seek compensation for the financial losses incurred.
In a related case, Jutharat disclosed that Anucha Saensut (อนุชา แสนสุด), a former postal worker in Hua Hin, embezzled 640,103.20 baht between October 2021 and February 2022. Anucha, responsible for managing funds and inventory at the Huay Mongkol postal counter, misappropriated the funds for personal use. The NACC alleged that Anucha misused official power. While he has been dismissed from his position by Thailand Post, the NACC will refer his case to the Attorney General for criminal prosecution. Thailand Post is also instructed to seek restitution for the embezzled funds.
Source here, here and here.
Author: TriCove.Asia
TriCove.Asia Administrator.