Khon Kaen: Witness protection has been intensified for a university student and a former employee of a provincial welfare centre as the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) questions witnesses over the embezzlement of state funds for the underprivileged.
Provincial governor Somsak Jantrakul guaranteed the safety of both witnesses Wednesday, saying the province has worked closely with military and police officers as well as local administrative agencies in Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham to beef up the witness protection programme.
Security will be provided around the clock, he said.
Mr Somsak was speaking after a meeting Wednesday to provide witness protection for Panida Yotpanya, 22, a social science student at Maha Sarakham University, and Natthakrn Mueanphol, 26, a former employee of the Khon Kaen Protection Centre for the Destitute.
The meeting came as the PACC pursues its inquiries into alleged irregularities involved in the dispensation of state funds at the centre.
The agency helps the underprivileged and HIV patients and falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).
Lt Col Korntip Daroj, acting secretary-general of the PACC and Sujittra Pinduang, chief of the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, also attended the meeting.
Mr Somsak said the province has set up a separate fact-finding panel, chaired by Ms Sujittra. The results are expected within 30 days.
Lt Col Korntip said the sub-committee would wrap up its investigation within six months.
Six individuals are so far embroiled in the scandal: Two state officials including centre director Phuangphayom Chitkhom, three state employees and one civilian.
MSDHS permanent secretary Puttipat Lertchaowasit and his deputy, Narong Kongkam, have been transferred to work at the Prime Minister's Office.
Ms Sujittra said the disbursements issued by the centre would be examined from 2016.
"The director of the centre held a similar position at the Ubon Ratchathani Protection Centre for the Destitute. The probe suggests she did not commit any wrongdoing," Ms Sujittra said.
The scandal came to light after Ms Panida and three friends lodged a complaint with the National Council for Peace and Order after interning at the Khon Kaen centre.
