PRESS RELEASE:
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced its decision to charge former national police chief, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, along with two senior police officers, Pol Lt-Gen Tinnapat Phummarin and Pol Maj-Gen Surapong Chaijan, in connection with a 2.1 billion baht biometrics procurement project.
The project aimed to implement a sophisticated biometric system capable of scanning the facial details and fingerprints of passengers at major airports across the country.
The charges center around the officers’ approval to extend the delivery deadline for biometrics equipment to the Immigration Bureau, which is alleged to have favored the supplier. The initial contract stipulated that the supplier should deliver the equipment by May 2, 2019. However, the deadline was later extended to June 30 of that year.
Former immigration police commissioner Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn played a crucial role in bringing the matter to light. He requested Pol Gen Chakthip to terminate the biometric project, citing his concerns about its integrity.
In addition to the biometrics procurement case, the NACC is also pursuing charges against Pol Gen Chakthip and 45 other individuals in connection with a separate 900 million baht project. This project focused on procuring 260 “smart” police patrol cars during the 2018-19 fiscal years.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
