Officials detained "Rungreung Thimabut," Phuket's Provincial Secretary, and brought him to the Regional 9 Anti-Corruption Criminal Court to request detention and oppose bail in a case where he is accused of soliciting money related to local government examinations.
After the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Prevention Division (ACMPD) presented an arrest warrant from the Regional 9 Anti-Corruption Criminal Court, they arrested Mr. Rungreung Thimabut at his residence in downtown Phuket. Officials showed the warrant and read the suspect's rights before immediately escorting him to the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters for further questioning on the evening of 26 June 2026.
This arrest stems from allegations that Mr. Rungreung acted as an intermediary to solicit money from three victims, all members of the Territorial Defense Volunteers (TDV), 300,000 baht each, totaling 900,000 baht. It was claimed the money would be handed to officials of the Department of Local Administration to assist the victims in passing civil service exams. The incident occurred in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province.
At 3:00 a.m. on 27 June 2026, ACMPD and the Crime Suppression Division officers escorted Mr. Rungreung from the second-floor meeting room of the Phuket Provincial Police Station onto a van bound for the Regional 9 Anti-Corruption Criminal Court in Songkhla. The police highway patrol led the convoy amid heavy rain. Mr. Rungreung wore a black jacket with the hood up and declined to speak to reporters.
Reports indicate officials will request the court to detain Mr. Rungreung on charges of "soliciting or agreeing to accept assets or other benefits for oneself or others as a reward to induce or having induced a government official, legislator, provincial council member, or municipal council member by corrupt or illegal means or by one's influence to act or refrain from acting in their duties to the benefit or detriment of any person; and soliciting or agreeing to accept assets or other benefits for oneself or others as a reward to induce or having induced a state official, foreign official, or international organization official by corrupt or illegal means or by one's influence to act or refrain from acting in their duties to the benefit or detriment of any person." Bail is opposed because the offense carries a prison term exceeding three years, and there is concern the suspect might flee or interfere with evidence.
The court's decision is pending. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.