In an unwavering pursuit of transparency and justice, disciplinary and administrative officers are embracing vigorous training in legal acumen and investigative prowess. At the forefront of this reform is Police General Adis Ngamjitsuksri, a shrewd advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, who has shed light on an alleged financial misconduct scandal during the “9 News at Night” broadcast. The scandal involves the purported misappropriation of funds earmarked for maintaining the hefty wheels of large buses.
It appears that some officials in the Sports Division of the BMA’s Office of Culture, Sports and Tourism found themselves under the glaring spotlight of scrutiny. This comes after the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand (OAGT) blew the whistle on suspicious budgetary requests for bus repairs. A treasure chest of misdeeds was unveiled, casting doubt on the moral compass of those entrusted with public finances.
Between 2022 and 2024, an astonishing 28 payment claims, amassing over 2.7 million baht, were approved for purported bus maintenance. The plot twist? The buses in question had been receiving about as much attention as an abandoned ghost-town diner—no repairs took place. Instead, a web of deceit was spun with meticulous false documentation and phony repair shop quotes to lure budget approvals their way.
The beacon of integrity shone with collaboration among the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and other dedicated agencies. They joined forces with the BMA, which dutifully provided pivotal evidence that led to the spectacular unraveling of this “phantom bus repair” caper. The operation culminated in a celebrated crackdown on March 12th, 2025, as law enforcement nabbed seven Sports Division officials involved in the scam.
In a swift tactical maneuver, Police General Adis announced that implicated personnel were shuffled into inactive “monkey cheek” roles—holding positions preserving their professional secrecy—while law and order sleuths pressed on with their disciplinary and criminal inquiries. The BMA’s ability to swiftly shift gears and deliver comprehensive information to the detective brigade has been a sterling example of their resolve.
Addressing the importance of meticulous documentation, Police General Adis remarked, “Our engagement in the investigation showcased the necessity of accurate document provision. Legal processes hinge on these records, which might harbor sensitive personal data relevant to the investigation or aid as witness testimonials.”
As layers of deception are peeled back, it emerges that this isn’t an isolated setback. Previously, 12 stings of alleged corruption have grabbed attention, with the BMA standing resilient. In nine instances, their keen-eyed watchfulness delivered critical evidence, while in three scenarios, sharp tip-offs fueled independent investigations, leading to triumphant legal actions.
Seeking redemption and bolstering integrity, the BMA has launched an ambitious project to sharpen the expertise of its officers through comprehensive training in legal and investigative fields. Aspiring to instill a detective’s precision in their ranks, the initiative hints at a bright horizon, promising a BMA where ethics reign supreme and corruption dissolves into mere whispers of the past.
It’s shocking how deep these corruption scandals run! Kudos to Police General Adis for unearthing the truth.
Indeed! But I wonder how many scandals remain undiscovered. This seems like just the tip of the iceberg.
True, Simone. But at least this shows some progress. Transparency is a process—it takes time.
But training won’t stop those who truly want to misuse power. It’s a cultural issue!
I see your point, Chris. Changing deeply rooted cultures takes more than just training; community involvement is essential too.
Culture shift or not, arrests like these set a strong precedent, hopefully deterring future misconduct.
Nothing new under the sun. Officials will always find ways to misuse funds.
That’s pessimistic! If we don’t believe change is possible, it never will be.
The BMA should be applauded for their swift action. But what about restitution? Will the money be recovered?
It’s all well and good to shuffle these corrupt officials around, but isn’t that just sweeping the problem under the rug?
Exactly, Kevin. They should lose their jobs, not be moved to ‘inactive roles.’ Accountability is key.
Right. Accountability ensures others think twice before engaging in corruption.
Honestly, why do we even need buses? Aren’t they obsolete with all the ride-sharing apps available?
Buses are essential for cities. Not everyone can afford ride-sharing apps.
Public transport reduces congestion. Without buses, traffic would be a nightmare.
Isn’t it ironic that the very officials responsible for promoting tourism are the ones embroiled in this scandal? It’s a bad look for Bangkok.
Agreed! Tourism is vital, and these scandals taint the city’s reputation.
Amazing teamwork with the NACC. We need more of such collaborations nationwide!
Why are these crimes cracking only now? Where was the oversight all along?
Good question, Gregor. Persistent vigilance should have been part of the procedure from day one.
It’s a moral question: do we trust systems to self-correct or is constant watchdog presence the cost of democracy?
Training is great, but how about ending appointments by nepotism?
Let’s not forget that these revelations came thanks to whistleblowers. They’re the real heroes here.
It’s good to see that integrity is valued by some in authority, as shown by Police General Adis.
2.7 million baht might not sound like much to some, but in public service, every baht counts.