Law
Former Pathum Thani Official Faces Corruption Allegations Over Exercise Equipment Procurement
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has indicted former Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) head Charn Puangphet for alleged overpricing in a 2012-2013 procurement project.
On August 11, 2026, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand announced a formal indictment against Charn Puangphet, the former president of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO). According to NACC spokesperson Surapong Inthathaworn, the commission found evidence of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment during the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years.
The NACC investigation alleges that Charn and his associates set budget allocations and reference prices for the equipment that significantly exceeded market rates. This practice reportedly caused a financial loss to the Pathum Thani PAO totaling approximately 44.57 million baht. The investigation suggests that the process began when Charn instructed PAO council members to propose projects aimed at improving public quality of life, which subsequently led to the inflated procurement contracts.
For residents and expatriates in the Pathum Thani area, this development highlights ongoing scrutiny into local government spending and administrative transparency. While the NACC has issued its findings, the case is now moving through the legal process. It remains to be confirmed how the judicial system will rule on these specific allegations and what legal consequences Charn Puangphet may face. As this is an ongoing legal matter, further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the Thai court system.