11-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Charges to Be Filed Against Former Ministers and Officials in Bribery Case Involving Thai Workers’ Export to Finland, Says Department of Special Investigation (DSI)
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has announced that it will press charges against two former ministers and two high-level officials at the Ministry of Labour for allegedly demanding a bribe of 36 million baht in exchange for approving the export of Thai workers to Finland.
On Thursday, the DSI stated that it possesses evidence supporting the bribery allegations against the four individuals, with some evidence obtained from Finnish authorities.
The statement did not disclose the names of the politicians or officials involved.
According to the DSI, a group consisting of politicians, civil servants, and civilians demanded that a Thai job broker pay an average of 3,000 baht for each worker being sent to Finland for wild berry harvesting.
Subsequently, the broker passed on this special requirement to approximately 12,000 Thai workers exported between 2020 and 2023. In addition to other expenses, they were collectively required to pay around 36 million baht.
The DSI confirmed that both it and public prosecutors have agreed to press charges with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
During the period from 2020 to 2023, the Minister of Labour was Suchart Chomklin, who currently holds a position as a list Member of Parliament and serves as the deputy leader of United Thai Nation, one of the parties in the governing coalition.
The experienced Chon Buri politician asserted his innocence on Thursday and stated that he would defend himself within the justice system.
“I have done nothing wrong, and I have no concerns,” he declared. “I have never been summoned for questioning, and neither have any government officials.”
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