Army probe finds traces of corruption in Rajabhakti

AN Army-commissioned probe into alleged irregularities in the construction of Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin district of Prachuab Kiri Khan province has found some evidence of corrupt practices, according to sources close to the investigation.

Army chief General Theerachai Nakwanich is expected to announce the findings of this probe committee today, covering details of the work done by seven metal-casting factories which created the replica statues of seven Thai kings as well as the budgets disbursed for this project.

Besides the budgets for each of the metal casting factories, which separately carried out the work, financial details on expenses paid for the transporation of the giant statues to Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin would be publicly disclosed as well as expenses for installation of the statues and other related work, according to sources.

Public disclosure of financial details of this project has become necessary after two senior Army officers have been accused of taking bribes.

Earlier, Theerachai ordered the setting up of the probe committee and named General Veeran Chantasartkosol, head of the Army advisory council, as its chair.

Regarding the alleged request for bribes from the seven metal-casting factories by an amulet expert identified only with a Thai initial “Ao”, sources said there could be further investigations to find out if this person had violated the law or had abused the Army’s name for personal financial gains. 

For criminal offences, the person would face prosecution if there were to be solid evidence of wrongdoing. However, in civil damage cases, there could be a settlement out of court, according to sources.

Earlier, former Army chief and current deputy defence minister General Udomdej Sitabur, who initiated this project, admitted that there had been illegal payment of commission fees but the money had already been returned and converted into a “donation” for the foundation sponsoring the Rajabhakti Park’s remaining work.

Sources close to the investigation said there were three sources of funding and donations for this project. 

Money from holding an event to launch this project; 

Public donations to a unit of the Army with money transferred into the Army’s official bank account;

Additional special events, including “Bike for Rajabhakti Park and Concert” to raise funds. 

All these are fully accounted for since they were within the Army’s financial system.

However, the probe committee found that there were also other “donations” outside the Army’s financial system so there would be further investigation into these additional sources of funds as well as the identities of those who got the money.

The probe committee’s head, Army chief adviser General Veeran, has already briefed Theerachai on these findings.

Meanwhile, Third Army Area Commander Lt-General Somsak Nilbanjerdkul has dismissed rumours that Colonel Khachachart Boondee, who was charged with lese majeste, was in custody. He said the authorities had asked six Thai-Myanmar township border committees to help locate the fugitive. 

Royal Thai Police deputy spokesman Maj-General Piyapan Pingmuang denied that national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda had gone to the stronghold of a Myanmar minority group to arrest Khachachart and bring him back to Thailand for prosecution. 

He insisted that Chakthip went there to give moral support to police officers at the Sao Hin Police Station in Mae Hong Son’s Mae Sariang district because it was without power. Piyapan returned to Bangkok on Wednesday night, he said.

Meanwhile, Sansern Pholjiak, secretary-general of National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), urged the public to submit more evidence concerning the Rajabhakti Park’s alleged irregularities to the NACC so that the agency could take further action against state officials.

The anti-graft body will also work with the Army to follow up on this case, he said.