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Army set to sue over Rajabhakti Park scandal

Army set to sue over Rajabhakti Park scandal

THE ARMY is planning to sue people involved in alleged irregularities in the Rajabhakti Park project, an informed source said yesterday.

“If the probe by the Army finds grounds for the allegations, it will definitely take action against those involved,” the source said. 
The source said if the culprits were members of the Army, they would be dismissed from service in addition to facing civil and criminal proceedings. 
Rumours about irregularities in the Rajabhakti project started swirling after Colonel Kachachart Boondee, a staff officer at the Third Army Area, was charged this month with lese majeste along with the late famous fortune-teller Suriyan Sujaritpolwong’s secretary Jirawong Wattanathewasilp. It was alleged that they had falsely cited the Royal Family to demand money from big companies.
Suriyan died of a blood infection while in custody on November 7. Jirawong showed up at the military court yesterday, as officials sought to detain him further pending the ongoing investigation. 
Funded by about Bt1 billion in donations, the Rajabhakti Park project has developed a grand park in Hua Hin and erected huge statues of seven former Thai kings there under the Army’s supervision. 
The scandal about the project prompted the Army to set up a fact-finding committee. Chaired by Army chief adviser General Veerun Chantasatkosol, the panel is expected to conclude its probe by Wednesday.
“This panel will look into the list of donors and their donation amount. Cross-examinations will be made,” the same source said. 
The source added that the scope of the probe would also cover the selection of foundries, the Bike for Rajabhakti and Concert held on September 12, the sale of expensive tickets for park-related banquets, and tree planting. 
There is clear evidence that a famous amulet expert had demanded illicit kickbacks from foundries that worked for the project, the source said. 
Deputy PM and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan refused to comment further on the Rajabhakti Park scandal. “The investigative panel has been established,” he said, adding that media should directly ask Army chief General Teerachai Nakwanich about the progress of the probe.
The Pheu Thai Party released a statement demanding that the government nail any culprits found to be involved in irregularities concerning the project. “The irregularities took place at the time the person supervising the project held the posts of the deputy defence minister, the Army chief, and the secretary-general of the National Council for Peace and Order,” the party said without naming anyone. However, it is apparent that Pheu Thai referred to General Udomdej Sitabutr, who chairs the Rajabhakti Park Foundation. 
 
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