Thai Minister Vows Action Over Alleged 40M Baht Bribe Offer
Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has launched an investigation into allegations of a 40-million-baht monthly bribe. The bribe was allegedly offered to Chaichanok herself, in exchange for leniency towards call-centre scam gangs and unlawful online platforms. Chaichanok has vowed that any officials found complicit in corruption will face legal action.
The allegations were first made by Lt. Gen. Pongsapat Pongcharoen, who claimed that intermediaries offered the bribe to Chaichanok. The minister has instructed the ministry's permanent secretary to gather evidence and establish the facts swiftly. Meanwhile, former DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has denied any such bribery offers during his tenure. He expressed surprise at the alleged bribe offer to his successor and suggested it might be linked to perceptions of the new minister's image.
DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob is determined to get to the bottom of these allegations. The investigation is ongoing, and any findings will be made public in due course. The minister's strong stance against corruption sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated within the ministry.
