Bangkok: The Democrat Party has officially requested the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to provide witness protection in an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering connected to local government examination corruption, which reportedly involves ministerial-level figures.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, alongside Mr. Paisal Ruangrit and Mr. Pornchai Maranetr, submitted a petition to the NACC urging protection for witnesses in the corruption case. The petitioners highlighted connections between the corruption in local government exams and high-ranking politicians, including ministers. Due to fear of prosecution, informants have been reluctant to come forward.
Mr. Paisarn Ruangrit emphasized the Democrat Party's commitment to cooperating with the NACC to hold top perpetrators accountable. He pointed out that witnesses who understand the money trail are afraid to speak out. The NACC is urged to utilize its powers under Articles 131 and 135 to protect these whistleblowers, who are crucial in tracing the origins of the corruption. The investigation has revealed significant repercussions for those involved, including cases of suicide due to stress. Some individuals who paid to enter the civil service honestly have been trapped in a system that buys and sells positions or scores.
The Democrat Party has encouraged affected individuals, including those deceived or dismissed from government service, to provide information via the "Lawyer Paisarn Helps" Facebook page. Mr. Pornchai Maranetr stated that corruption in the civil service system prevents honest individuals from gaining entry, while allowing those with money or connections to do so.
Based on complaints, there are claims of brokers selling exam quotas, allegedly obtained from high-ranking officials or politicians. This information requires further investigation. Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang mentioned that similar corruption issues have been reported in state enterprises controlled by government agencies, with demands for payments to alter scores persisting for over five years.
The Democrat Party has committed to not disclosing complainants' identities until the NACC establishes clear witness protection measures. Mr. Pongsakorn stressed the importance of addressing corruption at the selection stage of the civil service to prevent long-term systemic issues. He also noted that 5,925 individuals might qualify for witness protection, which could reveal the identity of brokers and potentially implicate high-level government officials.
Mr. Paisarn Ruangrit concluded that identifying the main culprits hinges on the NACC's willingness to protect witnesses and advance the case to court.