On 28 November 2025, Pattanapong Janpetchpoon, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), together with NACC officials, conducted an inspection at the Bangkok Remand Prison regarding allegations that a “Chinese Grey VVIP” inmate had received special privileges. The team also held a meeting to prepare the investigative report.
After more than an hour of meetings and on-site inspection, Pattanapong stated that he visited the prison to verify information and determine whether any state officials or Department of Corrections personnel had misused their authority, neglected their duties, or acted wrongfully.
This inspection aimed to review CCTV footage from November 16, the day the tactical unit conducted its operation, as well as to hear explanations from the Department of Corrections. The team examined the locations involved from the beginning of the operation, the entry of external individuals into the prison, their movements, and what appeared on the CCTV footage. They also inspected the rooms alleged to have been used by the Chinese inmate and others who violated prison regulations.
Pattanapong said that the NACC currently has very limited information but will work more proactively. This time, instead of waiting for investigators’ reports, the NACC conducted a field inspection to understand what happened on-site. The findings will be submitted to the NACC Commission for consideration, in parallel with the investigations conducted by the police and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
He emphasized that this action was not taken under political instruction but as part of a more proactive approach to expedite the process. The NACC, he noted, has authority to investigate cases involving officials up to the level of the Prime Minister.
Regarding the so-called “secret room,” Pattanapong explained that it was merely an executive reception room with a clear view of the entrance and exit. As for whether subordinates who passed by the room and witnessed wrongdoing would also be held accountable, he stated that this would require further investigation. The NACC will conduct inquiries and is authorized to examine financial and asset records for unusual wealth, even though the case has not yet been designated a special case. The DSI must submit its investigation report to the NACC within 30 days for consideration of whether the NACC will take over the case.
On whether former prison directors and related officials will be summoned for questioning, Pattanapong said this currently falls under the authority of the DSI, which is responsible for gathering evidence and witnesses.
Regarding the former prison director’s petition to the NACC Chairman requesting an investigation into the asset declarations of senior executives within the Ministry of Justice—including the Permanent Secretary and the Director-General of the Department of Corrections—due to suspected unusual wealth, Pattanapong said the details must first be reviewed, as he has not yet seen the letter. If additional information is required, further examination will follow.