Original Story


            CORRUPTION CLAIM 

Prison boss accused of drug deals 
Sudden transfer from Klong Prem Central 

Anucha Charoenpo 

Klong Prem Central Prison's chief has been transferred to an inactive
post at the Corrections Department following allegations of
involvement in drugs and corruption.

Justice deputy permanent secretary Manit Suthaporn yesterday said he
had ordered a departmental inquiry into the allegations made against
Ruangsak Muangmulchai, who had been transferred on Monday.

Nakhon Si Thammarat prison chief Prayat Jingjit has taken over Mr
Ruangsak's position at Klong Prem Central, the country's largest jail.

The transfer was reportedly carried out immediately to ensure there was
no interference with the investigation or intimidation of witnesses.

Mr Ruangsak has been accused of conspiring with prison warder
Krissada Cherdchom to sell illicit drugs inside the prison.

Mr Krissada was arrested earlier this year after an inmate in Phatthalung
prison told police he had bought drugs from the warder and had sold
them to other inmates.

Mr Krissada claimed Mr Ruangsak had been part of the prison drug ring.

Mr Manit said he believed more prison officials and inmates were involved
and would be dealt with under the law. He understood the prison had a 
reputation for the easy availability of drugs inside.

Mr Ruangsak is also under investigation over prison budget irregularities. 
He has denied the allegations.

A letter over the signature of Mana Rattanasen accuses Mr Ruangsak of colluding
with inmates to sell illicit drugs within the prison. The letter also accuses 
the former prison chief of numerous, unspecified corrupt practices
and claims 10 other officials are involved.

``If Mr Ruangsak is cleared of the allegations, the transfer order 
will be reviewed,'' Mr Manit said. ``If investigations show he was involved 
in wrongdoings, he will face criminal charges.''

Mr Ruangsak could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Justice permanent secretary Somchai Wongsawat said he planned to examine assets
of 10 prisoners serving drug sentences to determine whether they should be 
confiscated. Assets of inmates' relatives could also be seized if  they were 
found to have been obtained with illegal proceeds.

A list of the names of prisoners to be investigated had been given to an 
assets-examination meeting on Monday.

A Justice Ministry source said the names would remain confidential to avoid 
alerting accomplices.

Four prisons _ Khlong Phai, Khlong Prem, Bang Khwang and Nakhon Si Thammarat
 _ are on a watch list after it was found prisoners had used mobile telephone 
to direct drug deals from jail.

Mr Somchai said tomorrow's meeting would consider a proposal to grant rewards 
to officials who provided information leading to the arrest of those involved 
in illicit drugs.

Monday's meeting was attended by Corrections Department chief Khwanchai Wasawong,
Office of Narcotics Control Board deputy secretary-general Chartchai Suthiklom
and officials of the Anti-Money Laundering Office.

The deputy ONCB chief said a subcommittee had been formed to define criteria for
an assets examination.

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