A government official in Thailand is under fire after it was revealed that he allegedly received a full salary and bonuses for a decade without ever performing a full day’s work. The scandal has sparked outrage on social media, raising concerns about corruption in Thailand’s public sector.
Ten Years of Evasion
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the unnamed official worked for the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department in Ang Thong province. However, instead of attending his government job, he spent his nights singing at a local nightclub. After staying up late, he would often skip work the following morning.
The official reportedly only showed up at the office when summoned to sign paperwork or receive reprimands, allowing him to continue receiving his salary unnoticed. His sporadic appearances were described as a tactic to avoid scrutiny while enjoying the benefits of his position.
Public Outrage and Lack of Response
The official’s behavior came to light after a Facebook page called Watchdog exposed his double life. Despite the public outcry following the exposé, local government authorities have yet to respond to the allegations or take action against the employee.
This silence has led to a backlash on social media, where many have called for the immediate dismissal of the official and other punitive measures.
Broader Concerns About Corruption
This incident has fueled fresh concerns about corruption and lax oversight in Thailand’s public sector. While such stories are not uncommon globally, this case stands out due to the length of time the official was able to evade responsibility while collecting public funds.
Similar Cases Around the World
This case follows a trend of employees getting paid while doing minimal or no work. Recently, an anonymous Amazon tech employee claimed to have earned ₹4.5 crore while doing “zero work.” In another instance, a woman in France sued her company after being paid a full salary for 20 years without being assigned any tasks.
Calls for Accountability
The Thai public has expressed frustration with the government’s inaction, demanding reforms to prevent similar incidents. As of now, it remains to be seen whether the government will take steps to address the issue and hold the official accountable for his actions.
The scandal involving a government official in Thailand has highlighted significant flaws in the oversight of public employees. The exposure has led to public calls for reform and accountability, though government authorities have yet to respond to the allegations. The incident has also raised global concerns about corruption and inefficiency in the public sector.