The National Anti-Corruption Commission has ordered disciplinary action against the chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) for approving the maximum salary increase for his wife.
Chadarat Anakkaorn, director of the NACC’s public sector corruption inquiry office 2 and acting secretary-general, had sent a letter asking the National Resources and Environment Ministry permanent secretary to take disciplinary action against DNP director-general Thanya Nethithammakul for a breach of Section 64 of the organic law against corruption, an informed source said.
Ms Chadarat's letter followed a complaint that Mr Thanya had abused his authority as director of the DNP in evaluating an official's performance and increasing her salary.
His wife Pissamai Nethithammakul, a general administration official, was given a 6% increase, the maximum rate, in the first round of evaluations in fiscal year 2016.
When questioned, Wijarn Simachaya, permanent secretary of the ministry, told reporters on Tuesday he had not yet received official notice of the matter from the NACC. However, he had appointed Jongjit Neeramartmethekul, chief of the Department of Groundwater Resources, chair of a fact-finding panel to look into the allegation.
Ms Jongjit confirmed she was tasked with investigating Mr Thanya, but declined to give details.
According to Thai media reports, department officials at the protected area region 8 office in Khon Kaen, where Ms Pissamai worked, complained they were unfairly treated in the first round of evaluations in fiscal year 2016.
Even though they had worked hard they had received a pay rise of less than 3%, while Ms Pissamai was given the maximum 6%.
The complainants lodged a complaint with the NACC, accusing Mr Thanya of abusing his authority to approve the maximum salary increase for his wife.
According to the complainants, Ms Pissamai's performance was not outstanding but she received the biggest salary increase regardless, while officials whose performance was outstanding were given only 5%.