Phuket official held in exam scam

A Phuket assistant governor has been arrested on charges related to a recruitment scam, accused of facilitating bribe payments totaling 900,000 baht from three victims seeking government positions. Police from the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) detained Rungruang Thimabut on Friday, acting on an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct.

Investigators allege that Mr. Thimabut promised applicants he could ensure their success in civil service entrance examinations in exchange for substantial payments. Each of the three complainants was reportedly asked to pay 300,000 baht. Pol Maj Gen Prasong Chalermphan, commander of the ACD, stated that Mr. Thimabut is accused of demanding or receiving benefits to unlawfully influence state officials, an offense carrying penalties of over three years in prison.

The complainants reportedly knew Mr. Thimabut since 2020 and sought his advice after failing recruitment exams twice. After paying the alleged bribes and still failing, they filed complaints with anti-corruption police. Prosecutors opposed bail, but the court granted temporary release under strict conditions, including a 100,000-baht surety and a warning against interfering with witnesses.

Mr. Thimabut had recently been transferred to Bangkok pending an inquiry into claims of solicited payments from entertainment venues. He returned to his Phuket post just before his arrest after the 30-day transfer period expired. He had previously drawn attention for disclosing a Line message allegedly from a Department of Local Administration director-general referencing the Bhumjaithai Party's color during the election campaign.

“

Please help blue