Rangsit University issued a detailed statement regarding the dismissal of 'Professor Tong,' stressing that the claim the cause was related to anti-corruption efforts against soil theft is untrue, and condemns it as fabrication causing public misunderstanding.
On 1 April 2026, following Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul, also known as Professor Tong, posting that he was dismissed by the university without severance pay after appearing on a popular program, drawing significant public attention,Read more: Professor Tong responds after dismissal from university, believes good deeds will be rewarded)
Rangsit University recently issued a statement regarding the matter, noting that following social media posts and interviews by Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul claiming disciplinary punishment and dismissal without compensation,
The university regrets the incident arising from the information provided by former staff member Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul, who alleged that his removal from the administrative position was due to his anti-corruption efforts. To clarify the facts accurately, Rangsit University wishes to explain as follows.
1. Regarding the removal from the administrative position
The allegation that “he was removed from the vice-rector position due to anti-corruption efforts” is untrue. In July 2025, Rangsit University underwent administrative restructuring and established a new strategic plan, with Dr. Arthit Urai-rat appointed by the university council as the new rector.
Upon the appointment of the new rector, the previous vice-rectors’ terms automatically ended under the Private Higher Education Institutions Act of 2003, Section 39, which stipulates that when a rector leaves office, all vice-rectors also vacate their positions by law. This was not a personal dismissal or a consequence of any anti-corruption investigation as claimed.
2. Regarding allegations of university property theft (soil theft)
This is a serious misunderstanding. Due to the university’s new building construction project requiring site clearance and removal of waste piled on the ground, Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul received reports from subordinates, including photographs, indicating soil was being transported away.
Upon fact-checking, the information circulated by Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul claiming theft of 140 truckloads of soil is completely false. Evidence confirming this includes:
An internal university investigation report, which Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul chaired at the time, concluded clearly that “there is insufficient clear evidence of criminal wrongdoing” (theft charges).
Furthermore, the labor protection committee, comprising external experts and representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), jointly reviewed and concurred with the initial findings that no theft behavior occurred as alleged.
3. Regarding disciplinary action
Rangsit University appointed a fact-finding committee chaired by Special Professor Wicha Mahakun, which gathered all relevant documents and witness testimonies, including explanations from Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul.
The committee determined and recommended to the university that by publicly proclaiming the issue as an “anti-corruption” effort, Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul fabricated falsehoods and distorted facts, misleading the public.
Such actions violated Rangsit University's personnel management regulations of 2007 and deliberately caused serious damage to the university’s reputation and honor.
The investigation committee unanimously decided on severe disciplinary action: dismissal, terminating his status as university personnel without severance pay, in accordance with related rules and laws.
Rangsit University issued dismissal order number 325/2569. The university has delivered the detailed 12-page investigation report, outlining the case and legal findings, to Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul. However, the university cannot disclose this order publicly without his consent, as it contains personal information.
Rangsit University is committed to fostering a democratic society based on good governance and transparency, and will protect the institution’s dignity against any false information that misleads the public.
Other complaints made by Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Putrakul involving the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) are unrelated to his dismissal. The university urges media and social platforms to consider all information carefully to avoid becoming part of spreading misinformation.