The head of the Excise Department’s Prevention and Suppression Bureau was implicated in an instance of illegal oil transportation.
This revelation came to light through the findings of an internal investigation following the Highway Police discovery of the incident on June 7 in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Further inquiries revealed that the unnamed bureau chief was exposed after it was reported that he made contact with individuals at the Highway Police Department (HPD).
He pleaded for the release of a driver and his detained tanker, which had been held for an examination on Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan, following accusations of illegal oil transport involving thousands of liters.
HPD personnel did not comply, as reported by Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) chief who is also serving as the interim HPD commander.
The bureau chief purportedly requested to speak with Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat directly, a request which Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat refused.
The investigation was directed to be concluded within a week from June 7 by Eaknithi Nithithanprapas, the director-general.
As per the investigation’s outcome, the bureau chief was given a suspension on Tuesday and is facing severe disciplinary sanctions, as announced by deputy director-general Kriengkrai Pattanaporn.
The Excise Department also asked for the HPD to supply supplementary information that might assist in prosecuting any department staff implicated in the incident.
The HPD was also asked to provide a recorded voice file by anti-crime activist Atchariya Ruangratanapong that connected the situation to a superior officer in the department known as “Yoot”.
The department and the Finance Ministry will jointly determine the final punishment, as stated by Mr Kriengkrai.
