Former police officer arrested in Mai Khao over alleged B7 million embezzlement

A former police officer accused of embezzling B7,049,806.36 in government funds has been arrested at a residence in Mai Khao, Thalang, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) said.

Pol Sgt Maj Apirak, whose surname was withheld, was arrested on 25 August by NACC investigators working with officers from Tha Chatchai Police Station. The arrest was carried out under a warrant issued by the Mae Hong Son Provincial Court on 9 March 2026.

According to the NACC, Apirak was working in the budget and finance department of Mae Hong Son Provincial Police when he allegedly fabricated payment vouchers and transferred government funds to his personal bank account 12 times between June and July 2022.

He faces charges including malfeasance in office, forgery and use of official documents, theft, and theft at night and in a government office. The NACC also said he was accused of offences under Section 172 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption.

The case includes allegations of serious disciplinary offences under the National Police Act, including improperly performing or neglecting official duties to obtain an unjust benefit and conduct considered seriously immoral.

Investigators determined that the accused had left Mae Hong Son and was living and working in Phuket. Officers located him at his residence in Moo 1, Mai Khao, then took him to Tha Chatchai Police Station to complete the arrest record before handing him over to the public prosecutor.

The NACC’s Anti-Corruption Division Region 5 will continue the legal proceedings. Tha Chatchai Police Chief Pol Col Khundet Na Nongkhai said the officer had not served at the station and that the NACC would be better placed to provide further information.

The NACC said Apirak is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a final court judgment.