Suspicious corrupt practices found at 49 welfare centers for the poor

BANGKOK. March 19 (TNA) – The ongoing probe by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) have found the suspected misuse of the welfare fund at the centers for the destitute in five more provinces, raising the total number to 49 provinces. PACC secretary-general Lt-Col Korntip Daroj said that the budget, set aside to these 49 provincial centers was about 104 million baht or about 85 per cent of the whole budget of 123 million baht. The probe over all 76 centres will be completed in May, he said. The results of the investigation into seven provinces have been submitted to the PACC board to set up fact finding sub-committees to identify the culprits. The probe revealed involvement of some high-ranking officials in the alleged embezzlement. In-depth investigation will be conducted before the details will be disclosed to the public. The corrupted practice was first exposed by a university student at Maha Sarakham, who was trained at the Khon Kaen center. She reported irregularities and misappropriation in claiming the aid fund, leading to nationwide investigation into other similar cases. The welfare fund is supposed to be given to the underprivileged and HIV infected persons but the money did not reach them and many did not even know their names were on the list of the aid recipients. (TNA)