The governor of Saraburi has signed an order to temporarily suspend the chief district officer of Phra Phutthabat amid bribery allegations involving the issuance of firearm purchase permits.
On 3 July 2026, reporters noted that under the mandate of Mr. Surapong Intharatavorn, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and Mr. Phatthanapong Chantrapetchpoon, Assistant Secretary-General of the NACC, officials participated in the arrest operation of the Phra Phutthabat district chief in Saraburi province regarding bribery linked to firearm purchase permits. Recently, Mr. Bancha Chaowarin, Governor of Saraburi, signed Saraburi Order No. 2205/2569 to temporarily suspend Mr. Prin Wongkamutsai, the chief district officer (senior administrative officer) assigned to the Phra Phutthabat district office, in line with the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, following allegations of criminal misconduct.
The main reason for this decisive order stems from Mr. Prin being named a suspect under Arrest Warrant No. 20/2569 issued by the Central Anti-Corruption Court Region 1. He faces charges of abusing his official position improperly by coercing or inducing individuals to provide property or other benefits to himself or others under Section 149 of the Criminal Code, as well as charges of corruptly performing or neglecting official duties causing harm or acting corruptly under Section 157 of the Criminal Code.
This arrest was a coordinated effort involving the Anti-Corruption Division, the NACC Saraburi office, and the Department of Special Investigation. The order clearly states that the chief district officer position is a key role within the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Interior, requiring incumbents to act with integrity, credibility, and earn the trust of local citizens. Mr. Prin’s alleged criminal conduct related to corruption undermines this essential trust.
Such behavior is deemed highly untrustworthy and severely damages public confidence. The provincial authorities concluded that allowing him to continue in his role could harm the government agency. Considering that legal proceedings will not conclude quickly, it is appropriate to suspend him temporarily with immediate effect in accordance with the Prime Minister’s policy.
Furthermore, the order specifies that the accused has the right to submit a written complaint to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to contest the suspension within 30 days from the date of notification or deemed notification of the order.
