Udomdej not targeted in park graft probe

An informed source revealed yesterday that the Army’s fact-finding committee did not target Udomdej in its probe.
“We have focused on the fact that the Army’s reputation has allegedly been abused by someone who sought personal benefit through the project,” the source said, adding that the Army definitely would sue wrongdoers if there was solid evidence of wrongdoing.
“But if the top military chief’s name is abused, it depends on whether he will sue the culprits,” the source said.
Last week, the Army set up a fact-finding panel to investigate alleged irregularities in the Rajabhakti Park project with the goal of “protecting its reputation”. Army chief adviser General Veerun Chantasatkosol heads the probe.
Funded by about Bt1 billion in donations, the project has developed a grand park in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district and erected huge statues of seven former Thai kings under the Army’s supervision.
The Army has worked on the project with the aim of honouring the monarchy.
Veerun yesterday convened a meeting of the fact-finding panel to conclude its investigation results.
His panel is expected to report the results to the new Army chief General Teerachai Nakwanich today.
According to the source, available evidence suggests that some people did demand personal benefits through the project but after their actions were detected, they returned the money.
Questions about the transparency of the Rajabhakti Park project emerged after Colonel Kachachart Boondee, a staff officer at the Third Army Area, was charged earlier 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.
Kachachart stopped coming to work after Suriyan, Jirawong and one of their alleged accomplices were arrested last month.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the deputy prime minister overseeing security affairs, continued to try to play down the Rajabhakti Park scandal.
“It’s not a big deal,” he said. He also pointed out that the budget used for the project did not come from state coffers.
Asked whether the scandal damaged the image of the Army and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Prawit said, “No”.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, meanwhile, said his government would not take any responsibility over alleged corruption in the Rajabhakti Park project.
“Why should the government be held responsible?” he asked.
Asked whether any of his Cabinet members would resign, Prayut gave a firm “No”.
The PM urged media not to politicise alleged irregularities in the project. “Investigations are ongoing. If wrongdoing is confirmed, culprits will face disciplinary or criminal action,” he said.