The Anti-Corruption Police conducted a second search of the office of the Mayor of Bang Kaeo in southern Thailand after his arrest for alleged under-the-table solicitation of 1.5 million baht. The Mayor, Nathapong Taengsuwan, had earlier been taken into custody for reportedly demanding bribes in change for approving a 13-million-baht LED display installation venture. A shocked Nathapong had attempted to discard 1,560,650 baht in cash to evade culpability, as beforehand reported.
The arrest and subsequent investigations took place today, September 22. The Anti-Corruption Police, led by Police Major General Sombat Malai, revealed that after detaining Nathapong for questioning and charging him with “being a state official performing or ignoring duties for private gain.” He pleaded not guilty.
He subsequently used a cash bond of four hundred,000 baht to briefly assure his launch. The investigation staff now has 30 days to assemble proof and witnesses before handing over the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Police Major General Sombat continued that additional witnesses and evidence are being sought promptly. Worldwide , an order was given to seek for further proof at the Municipality workplace, particularly Nathapong’s workspace, which has been off-limits to unrelated people since his arrest.
It is known that the investigators have secured several documents and performed interviews with a quantity of related witnesses.
As for Nathapong, it’s known that he submitted a sick leave type, although his whereabouts are presently unknown. Regardless, investigations will extend to look at contracts or budgetary allocations for various initiatives related to the suspect.
In related information, Thai residents suspect that some state officials, including the police, are in collusion with mafia-style influential figures. The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted a survey that may explore extra into the opinions that the Thai citizens have about this case. Read HERE to find out what the survey says
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