Bangkok: The Director of the War Veterans Organization has filed a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police, bringing to light a corruption ring involved in the drug operations at the War Veterans Hospital. The scandal, which has persisted for almost a decade, implicates approximately 20 civil servants and former civil servants.
According to Thai News Agency, Gen. Decha Nithit Leungngamkham, Director of the War Veterans Organization, accompanied by the Director of the War Veterans Hospital, presented evidence to Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Mr. Phumiwisan Kasemsukh, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The complaint follows an investigation that confirmed the existence of corruption.
Gen. Decha Nithit disclosed that the corruption spanned nearly 10 years, involving individuals from patients to high-ranking military officials, both retired and active. The network includes about 20 core participants, with hundreds more indirectly involved, resulting in substantial damages. A previous investigation led to some individuals being reassigned. Upon taking office in October 2013, Gen. Decha Nithit noticed irregularities, with patients repeatedly appearing on lists and being transported from Lopburi Province for treatment, raising suspicions of fraudulent activities. He expressed confidence in the investigation process.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew stated that information has been gathered regarding the criminal activities, and initial actions will target the implicated group before broadening the investigation. Specifics of the case remain undisclosed. While government officials face charges under Section 157, the charges for civilians will be evaluated individually.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, acknowledged the complexity of the conspiracy, involving multiple individuals. He confirmed that a complaint has been filed with the NACC, which is actively coordinating the investigation.