The Appeals Court has reversed an acquittal verdict for former Bangkok governor Bhicit Rattakul and sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment for malfeasance in office in connection with the purchase of a land plot for parking of garbage and water trucks and other city’s vehicles at inflated price.

The Appeals Court also reduced the imprisonments imposed by the lower court on Mr Bhichit’s former secretary, Somkard Suebtrakul, from eight to five years, and Mr Chuan Pattanavaranont, former Bang Sue district chief officer, from eight to seven years.

Mr Bhicit and seven of his former staffers were indicted by the public prosecutors with malfeasance in office for the purchase of a land plot in Bang Sue district to be used as a parking lot for City Hall’s vehicles, including garbage and water trucks, at 270 million baht which were overpriced by 36 million baht. The eight defendants were alleged to have pocketed 18 million baht in commission fees for the land deal.

The offences occurred during December 4, 1995-September 16, 1997.

Besides Mr Bhichit, Mr Somkard and Mr Chuan, the five other defendants were former Bangkok deputy governor Yarndet Thongsima, for advisor to the governor Mr Mahin Tanboonperm, former city clerk Prasert Samalabha, former director of the financial office Mr Somkuan Ravirath and Mrs Arunpan Kaewmarin, former director of financial system division.

The Appeals Court’s verdict was read on Tuesday by the Criminal Court.

Former city governor Bhichit Rattakul given five years for corruption - Thai PBS English News