Corrupt officers 'must go'

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presides over the first Police Commission meeting of the year at the Royal Thai Police on Rama I Road last month. (Photo: Government House)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presides over the first Police Commission meeting of the year at the Royal Thai Police on Rama I Road last month. (Photo: Government House)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted on Monday that police corruption has been going on for years, and the police force must be cleaned up.

He was responding to questions regarding two senior police officers who are accused of being behind an online multi-billion baht gambling network. The issue is the latest in a series of misconduct allegations that have rocked the Royal Thai Police (RTP).

Last week, media firebrand Chuvit Kamolvisit said the macau888 online gambling network was relatively small compared with another gambling network run by "Inspector Sua" and "General Jor".

Prayut on Monday said the authorities are investigating the activities of the two officers. He said he has made it clear that those who are found in the wrong must face legal and disciplinary action.

He said the problem requires collaboration, adding that police corruption has been around for a long time.

He said he appreciates people who expose police misconduct.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry on Monday lodged a complaint with police against the Pentor Group Foundation.

Pentor Group Foundation is allegedly linked to Pol Lt Col Wasawat Mukarasakul, also known as "Inspector Sua", one of the officers accused by Mr Chuvit of running an illegal online gambling network.

Mr Chuvit last week posted a list of 10 companies allegedly linked to Pol Lt Col Wasawat under the Pentor Group.

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Vocabulary

  • accuse: to say that someone has done something wrong or committed a crime - กล่าวหา
  • allegations (noun): accusations - ข้อกล่าวหา
  • appreciate: to be grateful for something, i.e., feeling you want to thank someone for something they have done for you - สำนึกในบุญคุณ
  • collaboration: working together with someone else - การร่วมมือ
  • complaint: when someone says that something is wrong or not satisfactory - การบ่น, ข้อที่ไม่พอใจ
  • corruption (n): dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially of people in authority -
  • disciplinary action: punishment of people who do not obey the rules - การลงโทษเนื่องจากการฝ่าฝืนวินัย หรือระเบียบ
  • expose: to make something or someone publicly known because you believe something illegal or dishonest has happened - เปิดเผยออกมา
  • firebrand: someone who has strong feelings, especially about politics, and wants to change things or encourage other people to feel the same - ผู้ปลุกระดม, นักปลุกระดม
  • gambling: the activity of betting money, for example in a game or on a horse race - การพนัน
  • Interior Ministry: the Thai ministry with responsibility over the Royal Thai Police, local administrations, internal security, citizenship, disaster management, land management, issuing national identity cards and public works - กระทรวงมหาดไทย
  • legal: relating to the law or lawyers - เกี่ยวกับกฎหมาย
  • misconduct: unacceptable or bad behaviour by someone in a position of authority or responsibility - การประพฤติผิด
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