In a significant development, an official from the Revenue Department faced dismissal over alleged embezzlement, as announced by Krisada Chinavicharana, the Deputy Minister of Finance. The case unfolded following investigations into financial irregularities within the department.
The spotlight fell on Danai Damrongchaiyothin, a senior tax specialist stationed at the Bang Sao Thong Branch of the Revenue Department in Samut Prakan Province, as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) unearthed misconduct.
Accused alongside four associates, Danai stands charged with illicitly amassing over 2 billion baht. The department has been instructed to take swift disciplinary measures, including termination, given the substantial and unusual accumulation of wealth.
The crux of the case revolves around the misuse of government funds, specifically in the tax refund process. Checks intended for regular tax refunds to private entities were manipulated, altering account names to siphon government funds. It’s noteworthy that the private sector entities involved in the tax refund procedure bear no involvement in this wrongdoing.
This issue traces back to 2022, prompting the Revenue Department to take corrective actions, notably expelling the implicated official. Legal avenues for criminal prosecution and the recovery of misappropriated funds are being actively pursued.
In response to this concerning revelation, the Ministry of Finance directed the Revenue Department to reinforce oversight measures, ensuring the prevention of future incidents of misusing government funds during tax refund processes.
