Independent Panel Set To Charge NACC Official In Bribery Case
An independent inquiry committee held hearings at the Supreme Court on bribery charges against NACC Commissioner Akwit Watchwalkul and three others, including a former Deputy Police Commissioner allegedly caught giving him a 246-baht gold b
An independent inquiry committee appointed by the Supreme Court President scheduled hearings today at the Supreme Court on Ratchadamnoen Road for NACC Commissioner Akwit Watchwalkul and three others, including former Deputy Police Commissioner General Surchest Hakpal. They face misconduct charges related to Watchwalkul allegedly receiving a 246-baht gold bribe from Hakpal, who is under NACC investigation for allegedly benefiting from online gambling websites.
Multiple news outlets positioned themselves at designated media areas along Khlong Lot, but the accused did not appear at the announced location. Reports indicate they used alternative Supreme Court entrances to access the hearing. The independent panel used a courtroom designated for cases involving political office holders, though it is not an official judicial bench.
The independent inquiry committee functioned as investigators conducting interrogations. Accused parties were summoned to a U-shaped seating arrangement with four microphones to answer questioning. The proceedings remained confidential with no information released to media. Observers noted that if the accused fail to present conclusive evidence, the investigation results and whether charges will be pursued could lean toward the negative.
The bribery case originated from investigations into Hakpal's alleged online gambling benefits. Investigators uncovered evidence of 246 baht of gold bars given as a bribe to Watchwalkul, who oversaw or was involved in case proceedings at the time. Police compiled evidence for prosecution on charges of giving and receiving bribes and misconduct under Article 157. Hakpal's legal team maintains his innocence and disputes the police investigative process.
Because Watchwalkul is the accused bribe recipient, the NACC cannot pursue the investigation. Under the constitution, the Supreme Court President appointed nine independent investigators including judges, senior prosecutors, legal scholars, and former anti-corruption officials.
