A Kasetsart University researcher has filed another complaint with police, accusing an army colonel of producing a fake document for a gas mask project that the military has discredited.
Chemistry professor Weerachai Phuthawong alleges that Col Pisut Dararat of the Army Research and Development Office (Ardo) produced a fake document from an overseas institute certifying the standard of research used to develop the masks. The fake document was cited by the Ardo chief when he expressed dissatisfaction with the university's work.
- Earlier report: Gas mask team denies fraud claim
Mr Weerachai formally filed the complaint at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Friday.
The move is the latest twist in an ongoing wrangle between the researchers and the army research unit over the 3.8-million-baht project.
The Ardo had commissioned the university to carry out research on masks to be made for soldiers. If successful, the project could produce a mask for 8,000 baht, compared with 20,000 baht for an imported one.
However, cooperation has turned to confrontation with both sides trading accusations before the CSD.
Maj Gen Saksit Chuasomboon, the Ardo director, on March 9 sought authority from the CSD to take action against the researchers, whom he accused of producing the fake certification paper. He also claimed the researchers had not designed the prototype mask used in the research but had bought one from overseas.
Mr Weerachai and his team disputed both claims and a few days later they visited the CSD to sue the army unit for defamation.
On Friday, Mr Weerachai said the fake certification document the Ardo chief referred to was not the same as the one suplied by the research team. He said the fake document was produced by Col Pisut, who had been seconded by the army unit to join the gas-mask project.
The Ardo has not reacted to the new allegation involving its staff member.