Park director removed due to allegations of corrupt practices at Kaeng Krachan National Park
Article
Ex-Kaeng Krachan Park Chief Chaiwat Fired Amidst Corruption Claims – Calls Innocence, Fight Likely to Continue
A former Kaeng Krachan National Park chief, previously under scrutiny for the disappearance of Karen activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen, has been booted from government service following allegations of corruption involving manipulated bids and kickbacks.
Min arrogates dismissal right
Jatuporn Buruspat, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, announced on Sunday that he had signed an order on June 6 to axe Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn as director of the Office of National Parks, effective retroactively to September 30, 2023. Chaiwat now has 30 days to present an appeal to the Central Administrative Court.
NACC fingers Chaiwat in corruption case
The decision was backed by a May 30 decision by the Ministry’s Civil Service Commission subcommittee, which concurred with findings by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The NACC had ruled on September 26, 2023, that Chaiwat had violated severe disciplinary regulations in connection with two construction projects during his tenure at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province.
Case 1: Rigged bids and kickbacks
In the first case, Chaiwat allegedly helped Tha Yang Construction Ltd secure a 3.527 million baht contract for building a protection unit office at Huay Komkrit in 2014. The NACC claimed the bidding process was unfairly biased, allowing another company owned by the same man, Phetchaburi Yutthana Construction, to join the competition, thereby creating a conflict of interest.
The NACC also alleged that Chaiwat received a 1 million baht kickback on May 28, 2014, in the form of a Kasikornbank cheque.
Case 2: Abuse of power
In the second case, Chaiwat reportedly approved the project’s completion on May 3, 2014, despite a lack of proper inspections by authorized engineers. The NACC accused him of using his authority to ensure the contractor received payment without the required certification.
No criminal charges, NACC investigation ongoing
Although disciplinary action has been taken, the NACC has not yet filed criminal charges against Chaiwat, as the investigation continues.
Chaiwat denies wrongdoing, prepares defense
Chaiwat took to social media on Sunday to deny any involvement in corruption, stating that he would stand his ground during a live session planned for Thursday.
Higher profile, controversial past
Previously, Chaiwat grabbed headlines for his suspected involvement in the 2014 disappearance of Karen environmental activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen. Billy went missing on April 17, 2014, following an alleged detainment by park officials for possessing wild bee honey inside Kaeng Krachan National Park. Officials, including Chaiwat, asserted Billy was released the same day, without supporting documents.
In 2019, human remains believed to be Billy’s were discovered in a burned oil drum submerged in a park reservoir. DNA tests corroborated the remains with Billy’s mother. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted Chaiwat and three other park officials of charges related to Billy's murder in September 2023, citing insufficient evidence. However, Chaiwat was found guilty of malfeasance for failing to report Billy's detention and received a three-year sentence.
- TAGS
- Kaeng Krachan National Park
- Kaeng Krachan
- Chaiwat
- Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn
- Park corruption
- NACC
Insights:
- The investigation report on the alleged corruption case involving former Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn has yet to be made public in recent sources.
- The alleged corruption charges against Chaiwat surround manipulated bids, enabling certain contractors to win contracts unfairly, and accepting kickbacks or illicit payments in return.
- Chaiwat has publicly denied all wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision.
- A comprehensive public report outlining evidence, project specifics, or procedural findings has not been published in open sources.
- The ongoing feud between Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the former Kaeng Krachan National Park chief, and the government revolves around allegations of corruption involving manipulated bids and kickbacks in the economy sector.
- The health of the environment, a critical aspect of general news, could potentially be affected if such corruption is found to have impacted park management and construction projects, like the disputed office at Huay Komkrit.
- The politics of policy-and-legislation, particularly in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, are highlighted as Jatuporn Buruspat exercises his authority to dismiss Chaiwat, with the latter given 30 days to appeal the decision.
- The crime-and-justice system is under scrutiny as well, with the public awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and potential criminal charges stemming from the case.
