Whistleblowers awarded for exposing graft

KHON KAEN, Feb 27 (TNA) - Bravery certificates were given to a student and a former employee of Khon Kaen welfare centre, who exposed the corruption at the centre, leading to the countrywide investigation into the welfare centers. More welfare centres were found to adopt similar corruption practice. The Khon Kaen public relations centre yesterday presented certificates to honour Panida Yotpanya, student at Maha Sarakham University’s humanities and social science faculty and Natthakarn Muenphol, a former employee of Khon Kaen welfare centre for their bravery to reveal falsification of receipts for reimbursement at the Protection Centre for the Destitute in Khon Kaen. They are praised for being role models for young people against corruption. Panida said she was glad and she and her family are honoured that her action to report the irregularities at the welfare center led to investigation into the case. She realised that it could be dangerous but now, she feels safe that officials give her protection and Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha himself ordered the Military Circle 23, attached to Sri Patcharin Military Camp to deploy soldiers to provide her security. Meanwhile, her university sets up a committee to probe over a lecturer, who blamed her for tarnishing the image of the university by reporting the corruption to the authorities. The student said she had already given information to the committee and is ready to work with related agencies to prove the fact. Col Phitakpol Choosri, head of intelligence division of Khon Kaen peace keeping force said the Military Circle 23 is ready to protect the student and the ex-employee as ordered by the prime minister. Maj Gen Akkradej Boontiam, commanding general of the Military Circle 23 instructed soldiers to provide full protection for them and also offered them jobs as temporary employees at the military camp. (TNA)