Two Energy Ministry officials have been arrested for taking bribes by the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and police, it was announced on Monday.
PACC secretary-general, Wannop Somjintanakul, said the arrests came after he was informed that high-ranking officials at the ministry had asked for a bribe. The officers were arrested at the Energy Ministry Complex on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok.
One of the officials -- identified as Tapanapong Pasanapat, an engineer and a C-8 level civil servant -- allegedly asked for a 50,000-baht bribe to "help" an oil depot change its type of business.
The company's representative who filed a complaint with the PACC said Mr Tapanapong had contacted him and asked him to meet at a coffee shop to talk about the company's request to change its type of business.
The official then asked for 50,000 baht to fast-track the process.
Mr Tapanapong claimed he would forward the bribe to a supervisor who is directly involved in the process.
The other official arrested by the PACC is Jakchai Tangpratchayakul, also a C-8 Level civil servant.
The officials were taken to Bang Sue police station for further action, Pol Lt Col Wannop said.