BANGKOK, THAILAND – A gold bribery scandal involving a bodyguard to a key anti-corruption official shook Thailand’s anti-graft apparatus.
PACC police move in
The special anti-corruption unit PACC reported a major breakthrough in its latest investigation. Officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested two men in connection with an alleged gold-for-favors scheme. At the center stood the bodyguard Surasit, who worked for a member of the PACC commission and turned himself in after a warrant had been issued.
The second suspect, identified as Sarapong, was accused of arranging the bribe. He appeared for questioning on the evening of 18 March.
Gold used as alleged bribe
According to investigators, Sarapong allegedly bought gold weighing 246 baht and used it as a bribe.
“It is a clear case of corruption,”
said an investigator. The gold was apparently intended to influence decisions taken by the anti-corruption agency.
Investigators were working intensively to clarify the precise purpose of the payment and to identify who ultimately received the gold.
Bodyguard turns himself in
The suspected involvement of an insider close to the PACC leadership added to the sensitivity of the case. Surasit, the bodyguard to a commission member, initially went into hiding. When he realized police were closing in on him, he surrendered voluntarily.
“He knew there was no escape,”
said a police spokesman.
Both men were released on bail after their arrest. However, the investigation into their alleged roles in the bribery scheme continued at full speed.
Case heads to prosecutors
Authorities stated that their inquiry was nearing completion. The case was expected to be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office shortly.
“We have enough evidence to file charges,”
said an officer from the anti-corruption unit.
If convicted, the men could face lengthy prison sentences under Thai law. Corruption offenses in Thailand were punished with the full force of the legal system.
Heavy blow to agency’s reputation
The scandal dealt a severe blow to the reputation of the anti-corruption authority itself. Those tasked with fighting graft now stood under suspicion of being involved in it.
“We will pursue the case with the utmost transparency,”
said a senior investigator.
“No one is above the law.”
said a senior investigator.
The agency aimed to restore public confidence as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, the affair cast a long shadow over its credibility and internal controls.
Probe widens
Police announced plans to broaden the scope of their inquiry. Investigators were examining whether additional individuals were linked to the bribery scheme.
“We will turn over every stone,”
said an investigator.
“Corruption has no place in Thailand!”
said an investigator.
The case underlined that even the strictest watchdogs themselves needed oversight. Thailand continued its struggle against corruption, including within its own anti-graft ranks.