Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, former head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, was yesterday appointed as the new chief of the National Park Office, operated under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The appointment took effect immediately. Prior to the new position, Mr Chaiwat, 59, was a director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 9 in Ubon Ratchathani. He vowed to use his last year in government service to solve corruption problems.
Mr Chaiwat was in the spotlight last December when he accused Mr Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, the former chief of DNP of abusing his authority by transferring officials who refused to pay him a hefty bribe.
More than 5 million baht in cash was seized in Mr Rutchada's office when he was caught red-handed receiving bribes in a sting operation.
He has since been charged with demanding bribes and malfeasance in office and was fired.
Mr Chaiwat also lodged a complaint against Mr Rutchada with both the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). So far up to 52 senior officials have petitioned the department for justice, saying they were treated unfairly by Mr Rutchada in past transfers.
Mr Chaiwat said he was ''thrilled'' to have the chance to boost the reputation of national parks in Thailand. He also promised to work hard to protect forests and bring transparency back to the system.
Mr Chaiwat was a former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park. In 2011, Karen villagers in the park accused Mr Chaiwat and several other officials of burning down their homes.
He, along with three other defendants, was also accused in a separate case brought over the disappearance and murder of Karen rights activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen in 2014, in which the four pleaded not guilty.