Bangkok: Authorities have apprehended "Mayor Heng" at his condominium on allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for securing permanent local government positions. The arrest was made by the Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division in conjunction with officers from the Anti-Corruption Division.
According to Thai News Agency, "Mayor Heng," who has been identified as Mr. Prawit Jaruratchakul, a former candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, was involved in a scheme that promised candidates assistance in passing local government recruitment exams under false pretenses. The operation allegedly involved colluding with others to extort a total of 650,000 baht from the victims, who were led to believe that they would secure government positions. However, the candidates ultimately failed the exams and did not receive any refunds, prompting them to report the case to the authorities.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Panngaeo, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, spearheaded the arrest at a condominium in Bangkok, following an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3. Mr. Prawit is now in custody and will undergo questioning at the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division (ACMSD). The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the network of individuals allegedly involved in this bribery and exam scam.