Thailand: Chief of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police is asked to explain payments from ThaiBev

The chief of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police, Sanit Mahathavorn, has been receiving THB50,000 each month from ThaiBev, the country’s largest booze producer, and the payment is listed as an “advisory fee”, Coconuts Bangkok reported on January 25.

The officer and the company have been given a week to reveal why the official is being paid by the company and what services he is providing.

The Secretary-General of the Ombudsman’s Office, Rakkecha Chaechai, announced that a letter was presented to Sanit on January 24 requesting an answer about whether he actually is working for the company, if he received payment from them, and if he currently works for them and continues to receive money for services provided.

Rakkecha noted that a similar letter would be sent to ThaiBev asking why they were paying the official.

Apparently, contact was also made with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to request information about Sanit’s assets and whether he declared income from ThaiBev. According to The Nation, he did declare income from the alcohol producer.

After information is received from all parties, appropriate action will be taken, it is reported.

24 January, 2017