Suphat was arrested for stealing paintings from a hotel in Japan two months ago. The theft occurred during his work trip.

“All committee members have unanimously resolved to punish him with dismissal. But we agreed to let him retain his rights to pension and medical benefits,” Justice Ministry deputy permanent secretary Pol Colonel Dusadee Arawuit said yesterday in his capacity as the chair of the committee.

Dusadee said the decision was made after careful study of facts and laws.

“We have also taken into account his repentance and the fact that he had never committed any disciplinary offence or caused damage to the state throughout his service period that spanned over three decades,” he said.

Suphat was not charged in Japan, as he confessed to his crime and paid compensation.

In practice, the dismissal order will not affect Suphat as he had already tendered his resignation shortly after his crime became news.