Graft likely in B30bn stadium construction

Graft likely in B30bn stadium construction

Anti-graft officials examine substandard sports facilities at Phrom Buri Ratchadaphisek School in Phrom Buri district, Sing Buri, on Friday. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
Anti-graft officials examine substandard sports facilities at Phrom Buri Ratchadaphisek School in Phrom Buri district, Sing Buri, on Friday. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Anti-graft authorities are expanding their investigation into the Physical Education Department's 29.93-billion-baht scheme to build local stadiums nationwide as an initial probe revealed poor construction and inflated prices.

The investigation is being handled by staff of the Office of the Attorney-General, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Department of Special Investigation, the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

They are examining the scheme of the Physical Education Department, under the Tourism and Sports Ministry, to build stadiums for 1,114 sub-districts in 690 districts with a combined budget of 29.93 billion baht allocated annually from fiscal 2012-16.

Investigators found irregularities with stadium construction under one contract worth 288 million baht signed on Sept 21, 2012, PACC deputy secretary-general Korntip Daroj said.

The contract was for the construction of stadiums in 12 districts of 11 provinces.

Lt Col Korntip said the contractor was not selected through an open bidding contest and the costs of some construction materials were irrationally high.

Besides, the completed facilities did not meet specifications and were full of cracks and subsidences. The construction was also not supervised and the contractor was not fined for the long delay.

His team found evidence of the irregularities when they inspected a stadium in the compound of Phrom Buri Ratchadaphisek School in Ban Mor sub-district of Phrom Buri district, Sing Buri, on Friday.

The 2.7-million-baht football field had an uneven surface. Its running track included big pebbles while drain pipes did not work. Furthermore,  its 5.3-million-baht stand showed cracks, and the 12.6-million-baht gymnasium had cracked walls and a leaking roof.

Authorities would check other stadiums under the same contract in Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Prachin Buri, Ratchaburi, Satun, Sing Buri, and Uthai Thani provinces.

Besides, they would find out if any politician was involved with such irregularities, Lt Col Korntip said.

Thaweep Phukpho, president of the Ban Mor administration organisation, said he was asked to accept the stadium at Phrom Buri Ratchadaphisek School but he refused to do so due to its conditions.

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