Sisaket: The issue of overtime payment discrepancies at Sisaket Technical College has come under scrutiny, as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) conducted an on-site investigation. The college's management clarified that the payments in question were administrative fees, not overtime, and insisted that procedures followed were in compliance with regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy arose from a social media post by "Operation Watchdog," which accused the college's management team of claiming overtime without being present at work. The post alleged that some staff members left as early as 3 p.m. and returned only to sign back in for the overtime claim, a practice reportedly ongoing for years. In response, Mr. Adul Wandee, Director of the NACC in Sisaket Province, visited the college to investigate these claims and gather relevant documents for a thorough review, despite no formal complaints being filed.
Mr. Niran Sommut, the Director of Sisaket Technical College, explained that the contested funds are labeled as 'administrative fees' for overtime work, compensated at 50 baht per hour. The overtime is calculated for a four-hour period each day, excluding weekends and public holidays, with payments spanning from October to February. The beneficiaries of these payments include over 70 individuals, such as executives, civil servants, and temporary employees, each receiving varying amounts depending on their work hours.
Addressing concerns about the alleged absenteeism, Mr. Sommut assured that all employees fulfilled their work obligations on time. He emphasized that the funds were not allocated for teaching duties but were intended for executives handling administrative tasks and managing educational operations. Temporary staff, responsible for maintaining student safety among other duties, also receive these payments. Mr. Sommut expressed confidence that their actions adhered to regulations and welcomed verification efforts.