"Central Investigation Police" were involved. arrested "Mr. Rungreung Thimabut" Phuket Provincial Secretary accused of acting as a middleman to extort money to help local government officials in the southern region pass exams.
On 26 June 2026, it was reported that the Central Investigation Police, under the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Division, executed an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court for Corruption Cases Region 9 to detain Mr. Rungreung Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Secretary. He is accused of acting as a middleman to extort money from applicants seeking local government positions in exchange for assistance in passing the examinations and securing appointments in the southern region.
Investigations revealed that three victims, all volunteers (Or Sor), filed complaints claiming they were extorted 300,000 baht each, totaling 900,000 baht. This money was allegedly intended to be paid to officials of the Department of Local Administration to aid in passing the local government recruitment exams.
This arrest occurred just one day after the Department of Provincial Administration sent a letter returning Mr. Rungreung to perform his duties in Phuket, following the completion of his temporary assignment and the department’s investigation.
On 25 June, Mr. Winai Tocharoen, Deputy Director-General acting on behalf of the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, signed a letter to the Governor of Phuket instructing the acceptance of Mr. Rungreung back to his original post. This was after the expiry of the Department’s order 1512/2569 dated 20 May 2026, which assigned him to assist at the department from 25 May to 24 June 2026.
The letter stated that the investigation process had been completed and the period of temporary assignment had ended. Therefore, Mr. Rungreung was to return to his duties in Phuket, and the province was requested to report his return to the Department of Provincial Administration.
However, the case remains under investigation, and the accused is presumed innocent until a final court verdict is issued. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.