NACC puts nearly B500 million in Phuket projects under corruption watch

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has inspected three government-funded projects in Phuket worth nearly B500 million over risks including favouritism, unfair procurement, inefficient spending and poor long-term management.

The delegation, led by NACC Commissioner Suchart Suntreekasem, reviewed the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation’s proposed glass skywalk at Surin Beach. The project has an approved budget of B198 million and was awarded under a construction contract worth B196.98 million.

It also examined the organisation’s B169.5-million plan to convert the former Phuket Provincial Prison site in Phuket Town into a public park. Construction was contracted at B165.8 million.

The third project was a B130.49-million water quality management centre being developed by the Sakhu Tambon Administrative Organisation in Thalang.

The NACC said major public investment projects required close monitoring because of the risks of policy corruption, preferential treatment, unfair procurement practices and wasteful use of public funds. It also stressed that the agencies responsible for the projects must ensure they remain properly managed after completion and are not left unused or allowed to deteriorate.

The commission recommended that clear maintenance budgets and long-term management plans be prepared before projects are handed over to local authorities. It also called for close supervision of contractors during construction to prevent delays, defects and corruption.

The delegation separately met local agencies over the long-running issue of public land encroachment at Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay. Officials discussed ongoing investigations and conducted field inspections of disputed areas.

The NACC called for closer cooperation between agencies responsible for land administration and law enforcement. It also urged authorities to prevent disputed land from being sold or transferred while ownership issues remain unresolved, and to take strict legal action where illegal occupation of public land is confirmed.

The commission said its Phuket office would continue monitoring the projects and the Bang Tao land issue to promote transparent spending and protect public land.