Former District Chief Charged Over Pesticide Overpricing

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has charged Thiernchai, former district chief of Pothisai in Roi Et province, and associates for purchasing pesticide at inflated prices under emergency disaster relief funding. On December 21, 2011, the Roi Et governor declared nine sub-districts in Pothisai affected by crop pest infestation and allocated 9.7 million baht in emergency funds, authorizing the district chief to approve spending.

The Pothisai agricultural officer proposed purchasing 6,689 bottles of Pirimiphos methyl pesticide at 1,450 baht per bottle (500 ml each), totaling 9,699,050 baht—one bottle per cultivated rai. Thiernchai approved the purchase without following proper procedures, including holding a required committee meeting. Instead, he instructed the district secretary to falsify meeting minutes showing committee approval that never occurred.

The price was not based on market research but was unilaterally set by the provincial agricultural office. The procurement process was also irregular. Thiernchai approved a special procurement method where the district secretary was handed price quotes from three companies and instructed to select a vendor. On January 4, 2012, a procurement officer reported the chemical cost 1,450 baht per bottle, but the selected company's bid exceeded budget. After negotiation, the price was reduced to 9,699,050 baht, which Thiernchai approved and signed.

Later, the State Audit Office investigated and contacted suppliers of the same pesticide brand. They found the price was 210 baht per bottle in bulk (2,520 baht per 12-bottle case) and 220 baht per bottle online. The district purchased it at 1,240 baht per bottle above market rate, causing government losses of approximately 8,294,360 baht.