ACT objects to Nate, Poramate new posts

The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) yesterday voiced opposition to the proposed appointments of two senior public prosecutors embroiled in controversial cases.

In an open letter to Attorney-General Wongsakul Kittipromwong, the ACT objected the planned appointment of former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk as a senior prosecutor and that of former director-general of the Department of Thon Buri Litigation Poramate Intarachumnum as an inspector-general.

Mr Nate was involved in the prosecution’s decision to drop charges against Red Bull scion Vorayuth Yoovidhya in the 2012 notorious hit-and-run case while Mr Poramate was accused of being involved in a hit-and-run and under the influence in an accident in February 2019.

The ACT said both men were still under investigation and their proposed appointments had sparked concerns among the general public. It called on the Office of the Attorney-General to honour its obligation of delivering good governance.

According to the ACT, Mr Wongsakul also owed the public an explanation why it decided to promote the two prosecutors who had yet to clear their names.

Mr Nate’s decision to let Mr Vorayuth off the hook had triggered a public outcry and prompted the prime minister to appoint an independent panel to look into the irregularities in the handling of the case.

The panel, headed by former graft fighter Vicha Mahakhun, later recommended the revival of the case as it found evidence of intervention by officials, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, lawyers and witnesses. The panel also urged the government to carry out judicial reforms to revive public trust.

Mr Nate had tendered his resignation following the controversy, but it was put on hold.

As for Mr Poramate, the prosecutor was quoted as saying in a media interview last year that he had been drinking a little, though he did not flee the scene. The case was under the supervision of Bang Kruai police in Nonthaburi.