Former Phuket judge removed over gross misconduct

A former judge who served at Phuket Provincial Court was dismissed from government service for gross misconduct, with the action taking effect on 23 May 2022, according to a Royal Gazette notice reported by The Phuket News.

The notice identifies the judge as Witchathammanat Suwannotara. He has also been reported as using the name Chayakorn Suwannakota while serving in the Juvenile and Family Division of Phuket Provincial Court.

The disciplinary action was taken while Witchathammanat was facing a criminal corruption investigation. On 25 June 2026, the Region 8 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sentenced him to one year and 12 months in prison in a case investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, The Phuket News reported.

Former Phuket land official Yotsakrit Chusri, identified as the second defendant, received an eight-month prison sentence in the same case.

The case involved disputed dealings concerning 46 Phuket land plots and a settlement valued at more than B400 million, according to the report.

The Royal Gazette notice also announced the recall of decorations awarded to eight other former judicial officials.