PWO board chairman Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said the investigation committee announced the final ruling on the alleged graft case yesterday.

It found that PWO president Nobpasul Angkathavanich and 11 officials had violated ministry rules by awarding contracts to four rice inspectors.

"Nobpasul breached ministry rules by setting new conditions for awarding rice contracts," Parnpree said.

Nobpasul's dismissal took effect yesterday. He was hired by the ministry in November 2003, and his term was due to end in November 2007. The ministry will appoint a new president within two months.

Parnpree said that Nobpasul admitted that he had made changes without ministry permission, but had not intended to break the rules. However, Nobpasul has no right of appeal because the committee's decision is final.

Nobpasul insisted he had acted in good faith. "I have not done anything wrong. I haven't signed contracts with any rice companies," he said.

The eleven other officials involved in the case will be punished under the organisation's disciplinary procedures. These include possible dismissal, probation, demotion, suspension and/or salary cuts.

Also, the investigation committee has passed the case to the Department of Special Investigation to assess the possibility of criminal charges.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation