The Thai political landscape has been rocked by fresh allegations of corruption and power consolidation, as the Economic Party (พรรคเศรษฐกิจ) and other media outlets have exposed what they describe as a “system of the Akong regime” (ระบอบอากง) allegedly controlling Bangkok’s administration. The accusations center on a network accused of orchestrating the sale of district director positions and manipulating government operations under the leadership of Governor Chatchai Ssilp (ชัชชาติ). According to reports from *Thaipost.net* and *Thairath.co.th*, the scandal involves claims of a “buy-and-sell” system for key administrative roles, including the appointment of district directors (ผอ.เขต). The allegations suggest that high-ranking officials within the governor’s team are alleged to have facilitated these transactions, leveraging their influence to secure positions for allies or payoffs. The term “Akong regime” appears to reference a perceived entrenched power structure, though its exact origins remain unclear. A key figure in the controversy is “Chris” (คริส), who has publicly criticized the system, accusing officials of misusing public funds and engaging in “rent-seeking” behavior. *Thairath.co.th* reported that Chris’s allegations include the diversion of resources from infrastructure projects, such as tree-cutting and waste management fees, into private hands. The outlet also cited a list of “P.R.” (possibly a reference to a specific group or individual) linked to these activities. Meanwhile, *Matichon Online* and *Delinews* have highlighted the involvement of “Viraj” (วิโรจน์), who denied allegations of direct involvement with Governor Chatchai. Viraj claimed his connections to the governor stem from shared academic ties at Chulalongkorn University (จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย), but he accused a faction known as “S.K.” (สก.) of exploiting the governor’s office for financial gain. The reports suggest that this group is alleged to have pressured the governor to approve budgets and obstruct independent oversight. The governor’s office has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. However, the controversy has intensified scrutiny of Bangkok’s governance, with critics arguing that the “Akong regime” undermines transparency and public trust. The Economic Party’s report, titled *”Unveiling the Akong Network: Control Over Bangkok’s Administration,”* has called for an independent investigation into the claims. The scandal comes amid broader public unrest over corruption in local governance. In 2023, Thailand’s anti-corruption commission (สืบสวนสอบสวน) faced criticism for its handling of similar cases, including allegations of favoritism in infrastructure contracts. If the current claims are substantiated, they could further strain the government’s credibility. As the investigation unfolds, the role of media outlets like *Thaipost.net* and *Thairath.co.th* in exposing these practices remains critical. Their reports, while not peer-reviewed, have sparked calls for accountability and transparency in Bangkok’s administrative processes. The situation underscores the challenges of combating entrenched networks in public office, particularly in regions where political and academic connections often overlap. For now, the allegations remain unproven, but they have already reshaped the political discourse in Thailand’s capital.
