Bangkok: "Krawee" has revealed that authorities in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces have acknowledged incidents of bribery in the nationality application process, prompting investigations and potential prosecutions. He confirmed that clear evidence has been found and emphasized that the Department of Provincial Administration must be held accountable. He has expressed readiness to support budgeting for personnel and technology to aid the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Krawee Prisananantakul, MP for Ang Thong and a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, in his role as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Administration, announced these findings following a meeting focused on border issues, where officials from the two provinces were invited to provide information. The provinces admitted to the practice of soliciting bribes in the citizenship application process.
A fact-finding committee is being established to delve deeper into this issue and collect evidence from local residents, which points to misconduct at the district level. There are calls for those responsible to face punishment and potential prosecution. If evidence is insufficient, the Department of Provincial Administration will still be held accountable due to existing evidence of financial transactions involving the implicated parties. The importance of ensuring witness safety has also been highlighted.
Disciplinary or criminal actions against district officers found involved are deemed impossible, but administrative measures, such as reassigning them, can be taken to ensure a fair investigation. Mr. Krawee stressed the importance of honesty and fairness among officials at all levels, including village headmen, district officers, registrars, and chiefs, in addressing any wrongdoing.
Mr. Krawee urged the Department of Provincial Administration to address budget and personnel concerns and adopt technological solutions to streamline the citizenship application process. He noted that victims may be reluctant to report issues due to threats, which could affect their permanent passport renewal and citizenship applications. However, he clarified that these processes are separate and should not be linked. He suggested extending deadlines in specific areas if necessary and called for the Department to seek Cabinet approval through the Ministry of Interior.
The legitimacy of citizenship applications must be substantiated, Mr. Krawee insisted, indicating that there are credible indications of wrongdoing. He plans to monitor the provincial government's response and gather additional information from local MPs. The Department of Provincial Administration has sent central officials to the area to investigate further.