An official from the Revenue Department has been axed for embezzlement.
Krisada Chinavicharana, the Deputy Minister of Finance, made the announcement, following a case involving financial irregularities within the department.
The case came to light as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) uncovered misconduct involving Danai Damrongchaiyothin. The senior tax specialist was designated at the Bang Sao Thong Branch of the Revenue Department in Samut Prakan Province.
Along with four associates, Danai is accused of illicitly accumulating over 2 billion baht. The Revenue Department has been directed to take disciplinary action, including termination, due to this abnormal wealth accumulation.
The case centers around the misappropriation of government funds. The Revenue Department had issued checks for regular tax refunds to private entities. However, Danai and his associates manipulated the tax refund figures and altered the names on the accounts, essentially embezzling government money. Importantly, the private sector entities involved in the regular tax refund process are not implicated in this wrongdoing.
The issue dates back to 2022, and the Revenue Department has since taken steps to address the situation, including expelling the corrupt official. For criminal prosecution and demands for fund recovery, additional legal actions are being pursued.
The Ministry of Finance has instructed the Revenue Department to strengthen oversight to prevent future instances of misappropriation of government funds during the tax refund process. (NNT)
