Thai Official Denies Corruption Allegations Over Position Trading
A Saraburi municipal official denied allegations of position trading and illicit wealth accumulation after social media claims surfaced days into his new role, with the mayor defending him as having no prior legal issues.
On July 6, Sunthorn Khemnak, mayor of Nong Khaem subdistrict in Saraburi province and chairman of the Saraburi Municipal Association, addressed social media allegations that the municipal clerk's office head had been engaged in position trading over many years, accumulating large cash assets exceeding 70 million baht and owning properties worth over 20 million baht. The mayor revealed that the official had only recently assumed office on July 1 and was questioned about the claims. The official denied involvement, stating that lottery activities were long discontinued and photos were merely taken for entertainment content creation. The mayor noted he had verified the official's background before appointment and found no prior investigations or legal cases. He questioned the credibility of the 70 million baht claim, reasoning that someone with such wealth would not need to work as a clerk. The mayor reported the matter verbally to provincial authorities but emphasized that the allegations lack concrete substantiation and remain merely social media rumors. He expressed concern about modern society where accusations alone can make someone a defendant in public opinion, with no one seeking apology once the matter is resolved.
