PUBLISHED: 26 Mar 2025 at 14:24
Authorities announced the arrest of a retired colonel and a doctor linked to a major embezzlement case at the Veterans General Hospital. The total value of the alleged fraud, involving the resale of overprescribed medication, is approximately 80 million baht.
The arrests took place during early morning raids across 17 locations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces including Chon Buri, Lop Buri, and Prachin Buri.
According to reports, Col Kanyarat Jitprasong, 59, and Dr Barinda Ujawathee were apprehended at their homes in the Kiakkai area and on Lat Phrao 71 Road.
Both suspects were employed at the Veterans General Hospital, with Col Kanyarat previously serving at Phramongkutklao Hospital nearby.
Col Kanyarat is accused of facilitating treatment for patients from Lop Buri with Dr Barinda at the Veterans General Hospital, where she allegedly misdiagnosed their conditions and prescribed excessive medication.
Medications were reportedly stored at a laundry facility on Rama IV Road before being supplied to pharmacies in various locations.
The director-general of the War Veterans Organization of Thailand expressed concerns over medical fraud dating back to 2018, leading to these investigations.
The total financial impact is estimated at 80 million baht, with investigations revealing that around 40 million baht may have been funneled into accounts controlled by Col Kanyarat.
