Photo: Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn
Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, former chief of the Office of National Parks, who staged a sting operation that led to the arrest of Ratchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation about three years ago, was acquitted today by the Criminal Court of defamation charges.
The case dates back to December 27, 2022, when Chaiwat asked to see Ratchada at the latter’s office and put an envelope, containing 98,000 baht in cash on the his table. Shortly afterward, anti-corruption officers broke into Ratchada’s office to make the arrest, accusing him of demanding bribes from his subordinates in exchange for promotions. Three envelopes, containing 980,000 baht in cash, were also found in the office.
It was alleged that Ratchada had demanded payments, ranging from 200,000-300,000 baht, from his subordinates, who wanted to be promoted or transferred to comfortable or lucrative posts or who didn’t want to be moved into hard-working posts.
Ratchada accused Chaiwat of making false allegations, in retaliation for placing him under investigation over the Chaloem Phra Kiat reforestation project in Phetchaburi province.
In acquitting Chaiwat, the court ruled that Chaiwat had no ill intent when making the accusations against Ratchada and that the defendant had filed a complaint with the anti-corruption police over alleged unfair transfers in the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
After his acquittal, Chaiwat said he wants to obtain a copy of the verdict for presentation to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
