NACC secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol said yesterday (June 9) Ms Kanokwan, her father Soonthorn and a woman named Noi Toomphan are illegally occupying three blocks of land in the park.
Ms Kanokwan is a deputy secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party, while her father is the head of Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, reports the Bangkok Post.
Mr Niwatchai said the suspects claimed they bought the land from previous owners, but the NACC found out the plots in question had never been utilised for any purpose - a conclusion confirmed following aerial surveys of the sites.
NACC investigators concluded that the trio must have colluded with government officials to obtain the land title deeds.
“We have scientific evidence to confirm that the areas were lush forest within Khao Yai [national park],” the NACC chief said.
Mr Niwatchai said the OAG had decided on Tuesday to indict 10 suspects in the matter and would forward the cases to the Region 2 office of the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases - though he did not elaborate on their identities.
The accused were given until yesterday to report to the OAG and would face arrest warrants if they ignored the deadline, he added.
The NACC would also forward the case to the Supreme Court, asking that it strip those suspects who hold political positions of their posts.
Mr Niwatchai was not more specific, but was apparently referring to Ms Kanokwan and her father.
“They are in serious breach of ethical standards,” he said.
Foot | 10 June 2022 - 14:43:49