Thailand official collects salary for 10 years without working, escaping penalties

In a startling case that has raised concerns about corruption in Thailand, a government official from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department in Ang Thong province managed to collect his salary and bonuses for a decade despite not attending work. The official, who reportedly worked at a nightclub at night, was too exhausted to show up for his day job.

Remarkably, despite his prolonged absence, the official avoided termination or any form of disciplinary action. He would occasionally appear in the office to sign documents or respond to reprimands, maintaining a thin veil of accountability. This strategy allowed him to continue receiving payments without disruption.

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The scandal came to light after a Facebook page, Watchdog, dedicated to exposing government misconduct, revealed the incident. Watchdog, which has 1.1 million followers, has brought significant attention to the issue of corruption in Thailand.

Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Thailand 108th out of 180 countries, with a score of 35 out of 100. The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, with many calling for greater government accountability. Under Thai law, corrupt officials face prison sentences and fines, but it remains unclear if the official involved will face any consequences.

This case is not an isolated incident, with other examples of misconduct fueling concerns over corruption in the country’s public sector.