An investigation into the embezzlement of funds to help the underprivileged at welfare centres across the country has found that many of those registered for benefits were not entitled to state subsidies of any kind.
Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) assistant secretary-general Wannop Somjintanakul said Monday that investigators are collecting further evidence before requesting the setting up of a probe committee.
The PACC's preliminary probe found there were sufficient grounds for an investigation into irregularities at 24 out of the first batch of 37 welfare centres under suspicion.
While these investigations are expected to be completed this month, the preliminary probes into the remaining 39 centres are not expected to be completed until May.
Committees have been set up to investigate similar findings of irregularities in Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai.
The PACC is to act Tuesday to appoint such committees to look into possible embezzlement in six other provinces: Bung Kan, Nong Khai, Trat, Nan, Sa Kaeo and Surat Thani, Pol Lt Col Wannop said.
The scandal came to the attention of the public last month after Panida Yotpanya, 22, a social science student at Maha Sarakham University, and her three friends who were working as interns at the Khon Kaen Protection for the Destitute, lodged a complaint with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) claiming they had been ordered by the centre director Phuangphayom Chitkhom and other senior officials to fill in forms and sign receipts for 2,000 villagers, worth nearly 7 million baht.
