Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has terminated Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn’s civil service position after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found him guilty of severe disciplinary violations involving a construction project at Kaeng Krachan National Park Ranger Unit in Phetchaburi Province. The allegations include collusion in bidding and forgery of acceptance documents, leading to state losses.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, signed the dismissal order, No. 194/2568, on June 6, 2568. This decision, effective from September 30, 2567, was executed under the authority of the Civil Service Act B.E. 2551 and the NACC Act B.E. 2561. The order followed the Civil Service Subcommittee’s (CSSB) review of the NACC’s investigation report, which charged Mr. Chaiwat with two major disciplinary offenses.
Case 1 involved the electronic bidding for the park ranger office building construction
at Huai Khomkrit. The bidding process included two companies, Tha Yang Construction Limited Partnership and Phetchaburi Yutthana Construction Limited Partnership, both controlled by Mr. Sanong Kitphuangsawan. The event was staged to simulate legal competition, with Tha Yang Construction Limited Partnership ultimately winning the contract with the National Park Department. A payment of 3,527,000 baht was made under contract number 22/2556, dated September 16, 2013, and evidence revealed the company offset debt with Tha Yang Lumber Shop, returning 1,000,000 baht in cash to Mr. Chaiwat via a Kasikorn Bank check on May 28, 2014.
Case 2 highlighted issues in construction oversight, where the construction did not adhere to the contract form and lacked actual supervision. Despite the site’s remote and challenging location, work control reports and acceptance documents were produced by the procurement officer as directed by Mr. Chaiwat. Nonetheless, a work acceptance form signed by Mr. Chaiwat on May 3, 2014, falsel
y certified project completion, resulting in improper disbursements.
The NACC determined Mr. Chaiwat’s actions amounted to a serious disciplinary offense due to improper duty performance and gross misconduct under Section 85 (1) and (4) of the Civil Service Act of 2008. Consequently, the Ministry’s Civil Service Commission resolved to dismiss him from service based on the NACC’s findings.
Dismissal due to serious disciplinary offenses entails forfeiture of pension rights as per legal provisions. However, members of the Government Pension Fund (GPF) may request reimbursement of their contributions.
Mr. Chaiwat retains the right to appeal the order to the Civil Service Subcommittee (CSC) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment within 30 days or file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court within 90 days from the order notification, choosing only one of these options.
Following the order, Mr. Chaiwat refrained from extensive media interviews, only commenting briefly, “I’ve been a bit too talkati
ve lately.” He expressed readiness to face the consequences for his dedication to forest and wildlife duties, denied any financial misconduct, and thanked supporters. He announced plans to live-stream an explanation on his social media channels on June 19.