Top cop faces backlash over 'advisory' cash

Critics are demanding city police chief Sanit Mahathavorn give up his job as adviser to major alcoholic beverage producer Thai Beverage Plc, after he declared he receives a monthly payment of 50,000 baht from the firm.

The payment is shown in Pol Lt Gen Sanit's list of assets and liabilities that he recently declared to the National Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC) as a member of the National legislative Assembly (NLA). The record shows he began receiving the monthly stipend last year.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, one of the country's highest-profile law enforcement officers, has been caught accepting a payment of 50,000 baht every month from Thai Beverage Plc, although a main part of his job is to enforce the Alcohol Control Act. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

The news from the NACC was released in the middle of a long holiday weekend, when it is guaranteed to attract the least possible notice.

Somchai Armin, chairman of the Lawyers Association for Rights and Environment Protection, called on Pol Lt Gen Sanit to resign from the advisory role as it represents a conflict of interest.

Mr Somchai provided no reason for failing to call for Pol Lt Gen Sanit to resign from the police.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit was not available for comment as of the press time Sunday and it is not clear what advice he has offered to the firm.

What the officer is doing conflicts with good governance and transparency practices, Mr Somchai said. "This senior officer is serving as an adviser to ThaiBev when it is his duty to ensure enforcement of the Alcohol Control Act and other related laws," he said.

All alcoholic beverage companies must be reined in by the act, and the law will be harder to enforce if there is any interference or conflict of interest, Mr Somchai said.

If high-ranking officials are allowed to do this, those occupying lower ranks would follow suit, he said.

He said he is sure other officials also take up positions in private companies which have not yet been disclosed.

"Although this is not illegal, before taking up any position, officials must use their discretion to do the right thing and uphold ethics," Mr Somchai said.

Civil servants, particularly high-ranking executives, must set a good example so they are not a subject of criticism, he added.

Alcohol Watch Network coordinator, Kamron Chudecha, took a similar stance, asking whether it was appropriate for Pol Lt Gen Sanit to take the payments.

He said Pol Lt Gen Sanit's arrangement with the firm may be evidence that alcohol businesses have extensive links to politicians and civil servants at all levels and they could interfere in the enforcement of the law.

Below: Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi (4th from left), CEO of Thai Beverage Plc, which has been paying one of the country's top policemen 600,000 baht per year as 'adviser', poses with other senior executives. (File photo)