The chairman of the Bang Pla tambon administrative organization (TAO) in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, along with his female secretary, allegedly demanded and accepted a 2.3 million baht bribe from a business operator. They were taken into custody on Wednesday.
After receiving a complaint from a Bang Pla-based business, the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police took action. The complaint claimed that senior Bang Pla TAO officials had requested 2.6 million baht in exchange for approving a landfill and excavating permit.
A landfill permit often costs just 500 baht.
The opposite party agreed to the firm’s request to have the sum lowered to 2.3 million baht.
Later, the company complained to the ACD police, armed with a video recording of TAO officials requesting the money.
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 1 issued an arrest warrant to the ACD after an investigation and the collection of significant evidence.
The ACD police detained Chanin Ruenroeng, 61, the chairman of the Bang Pla TAO, and his personal secretary, 44-year-old Pornmanee, at their Bang Pla office at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
The two were accused of unlawfully requesting and accepting a bribe while serving as state officials.
A 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun with 11 rounds of ammo and 2,271,427 baht in cash were discovered by the police during a check of their office.
Mr. Chanin refuted the accusations and vowed to pursue the case in accordance with the law.
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Chanin Ruenroeng, chairman of Bang Pla tambon administrative organisation (TAO) in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district, right, was arrested at his office on Wednesday. About 2.2-million-baht cash was also found in a police search. (Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutworakan)
