RTAF Investigates High-Ranking Officer Over Alleged Corruption

Strategic Insights -

A high-ranking officer in the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is being investigated for allegedly forcing a soldier to work as a Grab driver and collect his earnings. The soldier, identified as Bomb, had voluntarily joined the force in June last year and was ordered by his superior to work as a driver to earn additional income. Bomb was required to share his earnings with his superior and his family, but struggled to meet a daily target of 3,000 baht, receiving only 10% of the earnings. The RTAF has temporarily transferred the officer to the headquarters while an investigation is conducted, and has vowed to deliver justice to Bomb and punish the officer if wrongdoing is confirmed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RTAF is investigating a high-ranking officer over allegations of forcing a soldier to work as a Grab driver and collect his earnings.
  • The soldier, Bomb, had voluntarily joined the force in June last year and was ordered by his superior to work as a driver.
  • Bomb was required to share his earnings with his superior and his family, but struggled to meet a daily target of 3,000 baht, receiving only 10% of the earnings.
  • The RTAF has temporarily transferred the officer to the headquarters while an investigation is conducted.
  • Bomb is now seeking protection and assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive.
  • Thai conscripts and junior officers have been assigned to live in the homes of senior officers, where they are expected to carry out domestic and personal tasks.
  • Repeated scandals involving the mistreatment of conscripts have tarnished the military's reputation.
  • The RTAF has promised to deliver justice to Bomb and punish the officer if wrongdoing is confirmed.

Statistics:

  • Bomb earned around 1,000 baht per day, an amount deemed insufficient by his superior.
  • Bomb was ordered to relocate to Bangkok in January this year and work as a Grab driver for at least 3,000 baht per day.
  • Bomb received only 10% of the earnings, while his superior and his family took the remaining 90%.
  • The RTAF has temporarily transferred the deputy commander to the headquarters while an investigation is conducted.

Sources:

  • Channel 8: "RTAF Investigates High-Ranking Officer Over Alleged Corruption"
  • Petch Petpailin: "Thai military scandal: Soldier forced to be Grab driver for superior"