The Public Prosecutors Commission (PPC) has voted unanimously to discharge Nate Naksuk, a former deputy attorney general, from the civil service over his controversial decision to drop charges against Red Bull scion Vorayuth Yoovidhya in an infamous 2012 hit-and-run case.
Nate: Lacked discretion
Former attorney-general Patchara Yutithamdamrong, who chaired the PPC meeting yesterday, said the PPC comprised 14 members. One was absent from the meeting.
Six of the commissioners had been appointed to a panel to look into disciplinary charges brought against Mr Nate. The meeting agreed the six should abstain.
The other members, including Mr Patchara, agreed unanimously that Mr Nate lacked discretion and prudence in considering crucial facts and evidence in the case and in not paying attention to all the probe reports, causing serious damage to the state.
Mr Patchara said the accused committed a serious disciplinary offence. Therefore, it was appropriate to punish him with heavier penalties.
"However, the investigation did not have any evidence that Mr Nate was corrupt and so he should not face expulsion from government service," he said.
The PPC meeting initially agreed Mr Nate should be dismissed.
However, he had never been punished for a disciplinary violation before. This was his first breach of discipline.
Over more than 40 years in service, he had made good contributions to the state. There was a reason to reduce the penalty, said Mr Patchara.
Mr Patchara said the Office of the Attorney-General would not take action against Mr Nate. Other agencies might take such action, he added.