Mayor Arrested for Extorting Money from Contract Workers in Thailand
Authorities in Sakon Nakhon province have arrested the mayor of Tha Sila municipality on corruption charges after he allegedly extorted payments from contract workers in exchange for extending their employment.
The arrest was carried out by Police Major General Jruykiat Pankaeo, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in coordination with officials from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Bribery Allegations
The 46-year-old mayor, identified as Mana, was detained under a warrant issued by the Region 4 Criminal Court on August 21. He is accused of demanding illicit payments from municipal workers seeking to renew their contracts.
Investigators said that in late June, Mana gathered between 50 and 60 contract employees, informing them that the municipality lacked sufficient budget to retain all workers. He allegedly told them privately that continued employment could be secured — for a price.
According to complaints filed by workers, each was pressured to pay 25,000 baht (around US$775) for a contract renewal.
Sting Operation and Evidence
Authorities conducted a sting operation in which one victim delivered an initial payment of 15,000 baht (US$465) to a local shop owner, identified as Winai, who was allegedly collecting bribes on behalf of the mayor. Ten days later, the victim paid the balance, with officials securing video evidence of the transaction.
Both Mana and Winai, also aged 46, were arrested. They face charges related to corruption, bribery, and abuse of office.
Broader Crackdown on Corruption
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to crack down on corruption at the local government level. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, with further scrutiny into the municipality’s financial dealings.
In a related case, police in Chiang Mai’s San Sai district recently detained an assistant district chief on extortion charges. Boonyarit Nipawanich, who also serves as head of the Region 5 Registration Management Centre, was accused of soliciting bribes in exchange for approving migrant worker registrations. That operation was also led by CIB deputy commissioner Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew.
Authorities say both cases underscore the government’s determination to root out corruption and restore public confidence in local administration.
