BANGKOK, Thailand – Central investigation police have arrested Lt. Col. Jinnawat (also known as Borisut) under a military court warrant for allegedly defrauding troops by giving them unapproved influenza vaccines. The officer denies involvement, claiming he was unaware of the substances administered.
According to authorities, the arrest stems from incidents between February 13 and March 5, 2020, at a Level 1 field hospital of the Thai Engineering Task Force in South Sudan. Lt. Col. Jinnawat reportedly misled superiors and soldiers, claiming he would provide flu vaccines, but instead injected unverified substances with no proper labeling. He also allegedly embezzled $5,800 from the battalion budget for the fake vaccines.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) formally found him guilty of misconduct in its March 20, 2024, meeting and determined that he posed a flight risk. Subsequent orders required him to report to the Bangkok Military Court; however, he repeatedly failed to appear, prompting the issuance of the arrest warrant.
The arrest took place at a fuel service station in Rachathewa, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where officers had received a tip about his presence. Following identity verification, he was taken into custody and transferred to NACC authorities for legal proceedings.
During initial questioning, Lt. Col. Jinnawat acknowledged being stationed in South Sudan but denied any knowledge or involvement in administering the substances. (TNA)
