New list of ‘corrupt officials’
A SEVENTH list of officials alleged to be corrupt will be issued soon
After a meeting of the National Anti Corruption Committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said officials facing disciplinary action were in general not as senior as people named on previous lists.
The prime minister enforced the all-powerful Section 44 of the interim charter to issue lists of officials alleged to be corrupt to pave way for investigations and possible disciplinary and legal action.
With six orders issued so far, some 237 officials having been suspended or removed from their posts ahead of investigations and possible punishment.
The latest list includes Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
Wissanu said investigations had been completed in 62 of the 237 cases. Eight out of the 62, ranging from local officials to high ranking ones including director generals, had been fired and 25 were discharged. The rest received less severe penalties including salary cuts, probation and warnings. Eight cases had been handed to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for criminal action.
At yesterday’s meeting the coup-installed Anti-Corruption Operation Centre was ordered to coordinate with all ministries in following up corruption allegations in their compounds and expediting cases. Ministries must report back to the centre within 30 days once cases have been sent to them for action.
The centre will then cross-check the inquiry results to ensure fair treatment for all concerned before taking further action, such as criminal investigation and charges being laid, Prayong Priyajit, secretary-general of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, said.
