Bangkok: Four additional prison officials from the Bangkok Special Prison have been arrested and charged with serious disciplinary offenses for providing benefits to Chinese inmates. The officials have been dismissed from service following clear evidence of their involvement.
According to Thai News Agency, Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat and Corrections Director-General Pol. Lt. Col. Prawut Wongsinil announced the dismissals after receiving an investigation report from both the Department of Corrections and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The report, submitted seven days after the incident, found four individuals guilty of serious disciplinary offenses, leading to the immediate dismissal of the Director of the Prisoner Control Division and three other officers who were aware of the offense but failed to act. Financial transactions linked to the offenses were traced to the relatives of the involved officers, although specific details remain unavailable in the case file.
The Justice Minister indicated that these dismissals are part of a broader investigation involving 20 officials previously transferred. The ongoing investigation seeks to hold accountable anyone found guilty, with varying degrees of punishment depending on the severity of the offenses. Some individuals have already been detained, while others are cooperating with the investigation. The number of officials under scrutiny may exceed the 20 initially transferred.
The DSI has committed to a thorough and unrushed investigation, ensuring all evidence is collected before the case is presented to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for consideration. This approach aims to address official misconduct and corruption systematically.
In a related matter, a photograph taken at Klong Prem Central Prison featuring the Shinawatra family and Mr. Thaksin was described as a normal activity, with all inmates granted the opportunity to take such photos.
Previously, two individuals, including Mr. Manop, the former director of the Bangkok Special Prison, and his secretary, were dismissed from service due to the scandal, bringing the total number of dismissals to six.