Thai former deputy interior minister sentenced to ten years in prison

BANGKOK, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) — Thailand’s former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame on Monday was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment without parole by the Supreme Court after he was found guilty in a wastewater treatment project corruption case.

According to the Bangkok Post webnews, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, by an eight-to-one vote on Monday, sentenced Vatana, who is also the chief advisor to the now ruling Puea Pandin Party, to 10 years in prison without parole.

The report said a warrant has been issued for Vatana and he is believed to be hiding in Cambodia where he owns a hotel and casino.

Vatana was accused of abusing his authority as the deputy interior minister 16 years ago by getting officials to illegally issue title deeds for public canals and rubbish dumps in central Samut Prakhan Province.

Editor: Bi Mingxin