Phuket: A former Phuket deputy permanent secretary has denied involvement in local government exam cheating. Regarding the Phuket land issue, he is proceeding with a lawsuit against the landowner for making false statements and defamation, stemming from allegations that he demanded 1 million baht in exchange for issuing land title documents in Phuket.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rungruang Thimabut, former Deputy Governor of Phuket, affirmed that he had no involvement in the bribery scheme related to local government recruitment exams. He denied ever soliciting money to help anyone get a position. He stated that he never knew the three suspects arrested-Sergeant Pichit, Mr. Win, and Mr. Win's sister-or the five civil servants currently facing serious disciplinary action. He questioned the speed and urgency of his case, finding it suspicious and questioning a double standard, noting that while he was immediately dismissed from his position, others involved in a 5 billion baht exam fraud case are allowed to continue living normally. He explained that upon returning to work in Phuket on June 24th, he was accompanied by victims to file a police report. On June 26th, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and the following day, June 27th, after he was charged, his superiors ordered his dismissal without verifying his allegations. His lawyer has already file d a lawsuit against his superiors in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct regarding the unlawful order.
Mr. Narinth Somnuk, a lawyer, stated that today's lawsuit is not related to the alleged bribery case concerning local government examinations, but rather a countersuit against those who falsely accused him of accepting a 1 million baht bribe for issuing land title deeds in Phuket province. He alleges this accusation is untrue and is therefore being prosecuted for filing a false report, malicious intent, and defamation. The court has accepted the petition and scheduled a preliminary hearing for October 26th.