Court Revokes Bail for Ex-Subdistrict Chief in Corruption Case
A court revoked bail for Songchai Nokkamim, former subdistrict chief in Samut Prakan Province, over concerns he could interfere with witnesses in a corruption case involving inflated solar lighting pole procurement.
On September 23, 2026, the Specialized Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct, Region 1, held a hearing on whether to modify the temporary release order for Songchai Nokkamim, former chief administrator of Ratchathewa Subdistrict Municipality in Samut Prakan Province. Songchai is the primary defendant among 14 accused in a corruption case filed by the Office of the Attorney General involving the procurement of decorative electrical poles with solar lighting by the subdistrict municipality.
At the hearing, the court found grounds to revoke Songchai's bail. When Songchai originally held office during the alleged offense, he was reelected as chief administrator upon completing his term. However, the Samut Prakan Provincial Governor issued an order removing him from the position due to his pending criminal case. Subsequently, Abhichat Nokkamim, the 11th defendant, was elected to replace him, but he too was suspended from duty because the court filed this case under the Anti-Corruption Act. Currently, Jaturon Nokkamim, a deputy administrator, is acting as chief, with Songchai serving as his personal spokesman.
On August 13, 2026, Songchai attended a Ratchathewa Subdistrict Municipality Council meeting, prompting the question of whether the case circumstances had changed enough to warrant modifying his release conditions.
The prosecution has listed 432 pieces of evidence, including 80 witness testimonies, 350 documents, and 2 physical items. At least 18 of these witnesses are connected to the planning, procurement, and documentation of the decorative electrical poles project at the heart of this case.
The court determined that as the former administrator and former superior of subdistrict staff and employees, Songchai would be well aware of how to access and influence these witnesses and evidence. Given that he faces multiple corruption and misconduct charges and is now positioned as a personal spokesman attending council meetings, there is reasonable cause to believe he may interfere with witnesses and evidence, obstructing the court proceedings.
Although Jaturon claimed he appointed Songchai to provide guidance on administrative procedures and that Songchai did not exercise authority or interfere directly in council deliberations, the court found that Songchai's role and presence could nonetheless significantly impact both documentary and witness evidence.
Consequently, the court revoked Songchai's bail and issued a warrant for his detention pending trial. As Songchai posted bail jointly with other defendants in multiple cases, the court did not order refund of his collateral.
