The Department of Provincial Administration has set up a serious disciplinary investigation committee for Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Secretary, who is accused of soliciting bribes to assist in local government exams after being suspended from service.
On 27 June 2026, Mr. Witthun Sirinukul, Deputy Director-General acting for the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration and acting for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior,
signed an order dated 27 June 2026 appointing a serious disciplinary investigation committee for Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Secretary, after credible allegations of serious misconduct. The accusations involve soliciting money from candidates applying for local government civil service positions in southern Thailand in exchange for assistance to pass exams and secure appointments.
The order states that the accused solicited 300,000 baht each from three candidates, totaling 900,000 baht, claiming the money would be given to officials at the Department of Local Administration to facilitate the exam process and appointment.
Subsequently, the victims filed a criminal complaint, case number 8/2569, leading to the Anti-Corruption Court Region 9 issuing arrest warrant No. J.12/2569 dated 26 June 2026. Authorities arrested Mr. Rungrueng and handed him over to investigators for prosecution. The Department appointed a seven-member committee to investigate the facts according to the 2013 disciplinary procedures regulation, before submitting the case to the authorized officials for further action.
If the investigation reveals other violations or involves other individuals, the committee may extend its inquiry under the relevant regulations.
The seven-member serious disciplinary investigation committee includes Mr. Winai Tocharoen as chairman; Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, Police Lieutenant Singkham Kamyod, and Mr. Trirat Nukaewkwan as members; Mr. Anucha Ruengamornwiwat as member and secretary; and Mr. Kittithat Pornputthapong and Ms. Thitima Chaemchoi as assistant secretaries. They will conduct the investigation under the disciplinary regulations before submitting the findings to the authorized officials for consideration.
