Thamma was sentenced to 12 years in prison for soliciting the bribe, reports Isra news.
Thamma held the position of ‘Expert Prosecutor’ at the Office of Public Prosecution Region 8 and Chief of Phuket Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office at the time.
Wanchat, who was Provincial Prosecutor under the Phuket Provincial Office of the Attorney General (OAG) at the time, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for his role in supporting the bribe.
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 8 handed down its sentence on Tuesday (Sept 12), said OAG spokesperson Kosonwat Inthuchanyong.
Key to the court handing down its verdict was an audio clip confirming the demand for B10mn to have the charges dropped, Mr Kosonwat added.
Mr Thamma had offered the company representatives that he would persuade the Phuket Governor to not charge their company. He then met with the company representatives many times and asked for money, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, spokesman for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), explained when the charges were first announced in 2020.
The Phuket Governor at that time was Phakaphong Tavipatana.
Both men have the right to appeal the verdict, and the sentence, noted the report by Isra news.
Wanchat has reportedly already filed his appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court, and has filed a lawsuit against the Office of the Attorney General and the Prosecutors’ Committee and Chairman of the Prosecutors’ Committee for damages.