Award for student, who exposes graft

BANGKOK, April 17 (TNA) - A student receives a plaque and applause from Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-Ocha for exposing embezzlement of welfare funds by corrupt civil servants. Minister for Social Development and Human Security Anantaporn Kanjanarat escorted Panida Yotpanya, also known as 'Nong Bam', a social science student of Mahasarakham University and Nattakarn Muenphon a former employee of the Khon Kaen Centre for the Destitute to meet with the PM at Government House today. Nong Bam was an intern at the welfare centre when she brought to light scandalous corruption by officials, which expanded into a nationwide probe into civil service graft. After awarding them the plaque, Gen Prayut applauded them for their courage in exposing corruption by state officials. The PM told them that he was grateful for their contributions in helping to locate and stamp out corruption and assured them that they had nothing to fear because the government would protect them. Gen. Prayut closed by saying that everyone must take the example of the women and help expose corrupt officials but that it was vital that concrete evidence be found, so that legislators can take immediate action against them. (TNA)