The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sentenced the former mayor of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) to seven years in prison today in a corruption case from 2011.


Charn Puangpetch's prison term was, however, reduced to three years and nine months because he pleaded guilty.


In 2012, the National Anti-Corruption Commission unanimously decided to indict Charn for siphoning off state funds while procuring relief supplies for flood victims in Pathum Thani.


In June, Charn defeated his rival, Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrachang, also a former mayor, in the mayoral election.


Despite his victory, Charn was disqualified because of the pending 2011 corruption case, and the Election Commission (EC) ordered a fresh election for the position.


Charn ran again, but lost to Kamronwit.

Former Pathum Thani mayor sent to prison