NACC Exposes Former Kab Choeng Municipal Mayor for Waste Disposal Corruption in National Reserved Forest

On February 2, 2026, Surapong Inthrathaworn, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced that the NACC had found grounds for criminal charges against Olarn Yukanchanaseth, the former Kab Choeng Municipal Mayor in Surin Province. The investigation revealed that during the 2018-2019 fiscal years, Olarn conducted three waste disposal contract procurements using a direct procurement method. He presented price proposals under the name of Ms. Arunwan Uthisen to procurement officials, despite her not meeting the required qualifications due to the waste disposal site being located in an improperly documented national forest reserve. Despite the procurement committee recommending finding a new contractor with proper credentials, Olarn ordered the contract to proceed, signed the agreement, and approved payments, causing damage to the municipal government. The NACC resolved that Olarn's actions constitute criminal offenses under various legal statutes, and recommended forwarding the case to the Attorney General for prosecution.