### Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission Seizes Over 386 Million Baht in Assets from Former DSI Director-General
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand has successfully concluded two significant cases against the former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in the forfeiture of assets totaling more than 386 million baht (approximately 10.59 million USD) to the state. This landmark decision underscores the NACC’s relentless pursuit of integrity and zero tolerance for corruption within the nation’s ranks. The seized assets, amassed through unusual wealth by the former DSI head, mark a significant victory in Thailand’s ongoing battle against corruption. The NACC, a constitutional independent body, continues to play a pivotal role in the prevention, suppression, and investigation of corruption, demonstrating its commitment to upholding ethics and virtues among political position holders and government officials alike.
Bangkok, Thailand – The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand has disclosed the outcomes of legal actions against the ex-Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), who faced allegations of accumulating wealth through dubious means in two distinct instances. The court has mandated the forfeiture of assets totaling over 386 million baht (approximately 10.59 million USD) to the state, divided across two cases. In the initial case, assets worth 341.80 million baht were seized, and in a subsequent case, an additional 44.63 million baht in assets were ordered to be forfeited.
Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the Secretary-General of the NACC, elaborated on the court’s decision during a press briefing. The verdict pertained to Mr. Tharit Pengdit, the former DSI Director-General, whose financial activities raised suspicions of corruption. The court’s investigation uncovered a significant increase in Mr. Pengdit’s assets and a notable reduction in his debts, involving properties registered under various names, including that of Mr. Pengdit and his associates.
The NACC’s investigation led to the Civil Court’s decision on September 27, 2018, which resulted in the forfeiture of assets worth 341,797,811.58 baht to the government. This decision was based on evidence suggesting Mr. Pengdit’s involvement in acquiring assets through illicit means.
Further investigations into Mr. Pengdit’s financial dealings during his tenure at the DSI initiated a second case. This case focused on assets acquired under suspicious circumstances, leading to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct, Region 3, ordering the forfeiture of 44,630,426 baht in assets to the state on March 19, 2024.
The court’s ruling aligns with the Organic Act on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption, mandating the transfer of these assets to the government through the Ministry of Finance. Failure to comply with this order could result in the court enforcing the transfer or payment of equivalent value by Mr. Pengdit.
This press release, supported by the National Anti-Corruption Fund (NACF), underscores the NACC’s commitment to combating corruption within Thailand. The NACC, an independent constitutional organization, plays a crucial role in the prevention and suppression of corruption, particularly within government agencies, through asset investigations and the promotion of ethical conduct among political position holders.
Since its establishment in 1997, the NACC has been instrumental in bringing thousands of cases against politicians, former ministers, high-ranking officials, and private sector executives to the Thai Courts, highlighting its pivotal role in Thailand’s fight against corruption.
