Bangkok Governor Orders Officials Out Over Corruption Probe

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered district officials implicated in the "Pho Thip-Mae Thip" case out of office, vowing to intensify anti-corruption efforts. On July 22, 2569, at Bangkok City Hall 2 in Din Daeng, Sittipunt briefed the media on developments in the case following the establishment of a fact-finding committee. He confirmed that officials allegedly involved have been ordered to leave office, stressing the need for rigorous adherence to proper procedures while awaiting results from the central fact-finding commission, which is being overseen by Bangkok's Deputy Governor.

Sittipunt explained that Bangkok has progressively tightened enforcement procedures. Initially, he noted, there was laxity among district officials who overly trusted hospitals. The governor said investigators have now identified patterns in certain districts where queue card systems prevent service from specific officials, while other districts route transactions through single staff members—a potential red flag for ongoing corruption. He emphasized the need for thorough, serious investigations.

Regarding the 2569 Outstanding Anti-Corruption Individual Award from the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Sittipunt stated that while the award was determined before his current term ended, it was not announced until he took office. He clarified that the award is not a personal honor but belongs to all Bangkok residents and reflects the collective commitment of all city officials and employees working earnestly against corruption and graft. "The award is encouraging, but there is more important work ahead," Sittipunt said. "I believe we are on the right path, but we must work much harder."