Mekong sand-mining claims probed
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Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda said on Tuesday that he had ordered an investigation into allegations that some sand-mining boats on the Mekong River had dug up sand outside of the areas allowed under their permits.
Anupong said the investigation would look into eight sand-mining groups that covered two areas in the Northeast. If officials found the boat operators had breached their permit conditions, such sand-mining activity would be ceased and officials would file a police complaint, he said.
The alleged breach was brought to light by the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, which urged related agencies to launch an investigation or they could face charges of negligence or omission to perform their duty.
