A probe into the embezzlement of state funds will proceed despite the death of the former permanent secretary for social development and human security, Puttipat Lertchaowasit, says Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya.
Puttipat's girlfriend, who is recovering from a suicide attempt, will also be questioned in connection with the scandal once she is well enough to give statements.
Gen Chatchai said yesterday the ministry's investigation into the large-scale siphoning of government funds for the destitute had been handled in a straightforward and transparent manner.
The ministry was under no pressure to take a special course of action in the wake of Puttipat's death, the deputy prime minister said. He declined to comment on speculation about the motive or possible foul play.
Puttipat, 60, was the most senior government official facing investigation over the embezzlement scandal in which 95 officials including his ex-deputy, Narong Kongkam, were implicated.
He was found dead at home in Pathum Thani's Muang district last Friday in what appeared to be a suicide. His girlfriend, Wassana Tapaopong, 49, was also found unconscious at the scene.
Pol Maj Gen Kamol Rianracha, commander of the police Counter Corruption Division, said the civil case against Puttipat would proceed and assets belonging to the ex-permanent secretary would be traced for examination.
He said the case against others implicated in the scandal including Ms Wassana, who was also a former official in the department, would continue.
The probe was launched after students from Mahasarakham University complained they were ordered to forge signatures for the disbursement of funds while working as interns at a protection centre in Khon Kaen province earlier this year.
Puttipat and Mr Narong were transferred to inactive posts by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pending further investigation. Puttipat's cremation was scheduled to take place yesterday evening amid calls for police to delay the funeral for further examination of his body to rule out foul play.
Wiwatchai Kulamat, a former member of the now-defunct National Reform Council, said police must clear up any suspicions surrounding the death before the cremation.
Ms Wassana should be thoroughly questioned about the events leading up to the death as she too was embroiled in the case.
An initial probe suggested the pair swallowed pills with alcohol in a suicide pact. A suicide note was found containing Puttipat's wish that funeral rites to be held for only two days before the cremation.
Earlier, Panaprai Narakaew, a legal adviser to the ex-permanent secretary, said he believed Puttipat took his own life due to stress caused by the proceedings against him.