Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has indicted Supol Sriphan, Director-General of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, on charges of corruption related to a community tourism development project valued at 286 million baht. Additionally, Saengchan Worasuman, Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, has been indicted for the improper procurement of exercise equipment, resulting in damages exceeding 64 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, NACC Deputy Secretary-General Surapong Intarathaworn announced that the commission resolved to indict Supol Sriphan, then Director-General of the Department of Tourism, and his associates for their involvement in the development of community tourism destinations into recreational and health tourism sites. This involved the procurement of recreational and exercise equipment during the 2012 fiscal year. The investigation found that the Department of Tourism was allocated a budget of 200 million baht for investment purposes, which Supol Sriphan reallocated for equipment procurement worth over 286 million baht. The procurement process was manipulated to favor United Sport Development Co., Ltd., leading to purchases at prices significantly higher than market value, thus causing financial losses to the department.
The NACC has determined that the actions of Supol Sriphan, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Anupap Kesornsuwan, and other officials involved in the drafting and approval of procurement documents constitute criminal offenses under multiple sections of the Criminal Code and anti-corruption laws. The commission has also implicated United Sport Development Co., Ltd. for supporting these offenses.
In a related case, the NACC indicted Saengchan Worasuman and her associates for corruption in the procurement of exercise and outdoor recreation equipment in 2013 and 2014. The investigation revealed that the procurement process, involving two contracts totaling over 64 million baht, was conducted without proper needs assessment and aimed to benefit Thai Work Fitness Co., Ltd. The equipment was purchased at inflated prices, resulting in financial damage to the Department of Physical Education.
The NACC found that Saengchan Worasuman, Mr. Niwat Limsukhnirun, and other involved officials committed criminal offenses under the Criminal Code and anti-corruption legislation. Thai Work Fitness Co., Ltd. and associated private parties were also implicated for their role in supporting the offenses.
The complete investigation files, evidence, and decisions will be forwarded to the Attorney General for criminal proceedings and to relevant authorities for disciplinary actions against those involved, in accordance with the applicable anti-corruption laws.