Senior official says payments made in gratitude, not bribes

Sorapong Telavanit, 40, assistant district chief of Chiang Mai's Muang district office, in blue T-shirt, is arrested with 20,000 baht cash and two gun permits on a charge of demanding bribes, at his office on Thursday morning. (Photo supplied)
Sorapong Telavanit, 40, associate district chief associated with Chiang Mai’s Muang district office, within blue T-shirt, is certainly arrested with 20, 000 baht money and two gun permits on a charge of demanding bribes, at his office on Thursday morning. (Photo supplied)

A older district official within Chiang Mai arrested at his office on Thursday just for allegedly demanding bribes in exchange for gun permits claimed the fact that payments were made from gratitude, not required as bribes.

Police through the Counter Corruption Department (CCD) and officials of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)  as well as the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) arrested Sorapong Telavanit, forty, assistant district main of Muang district at his office.

They also sized 20, 500 baht cash plus two gun allows as evidence of bribe taking at his office on Thursday night morning, CCD leader Pol Maj Style Jaroonkiat Pankaew said.

The particular arrest followed issues to the NACC alleging that Mr Sorapong demanded money in exchange for issuing weapon permits, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat mentioned.

Three agencies investigated and then set up a tingle. One of the gun permit applicants was delivered to hand over 20, 000 baht allegedly demanded by Mr Sorapong, who was then arrested, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said.

During asking Mr Sorapong refused taking a bribe. He said the money was given to him out of gratitude. The arresting officers were not swayed by his claim.

This individual was charged with taking a bribe, dereliction of duty plus related offences before being handed over towards the CCD police designed for legal action.