Army launches own probe in alleged Rajabhakti graft

Army launches own probe in alleged Rajabhakti graft

Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. (File photo by Panumas Sanguanwong)
Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. (File photo by Panumas Sanguanwong)

The army on Thursday ordered a swift investigation into allegations of corruption in the construction of Rajabhakti Park, giving investigators a week to produce results.

Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said recent news reports about the army-backed park had not been confirmed officially by people directly involved in the building of the new landmark in Prachuap Khiri Khan. As such, the information could be incorrect and could damage the army's image, he said.

Army commander Theerachai Nakvanich on Thursday said an inquiry committee had been established to address concerns about the park's transparency and to urgently examine all aspects of the scheme in order to clarify facts for the public.

Col Winthai said Gen Theerachai instructed the panel to try to wrap its investigation within a week.

"We assure the probe will be based on facts and there will be no distortion. If any military officer is found to have done anything inappropriate, the army will definitely take regulatory and legal action against them," Col Winthai said.

An amulet trader has been accused of demanding millions of baht in commission fees during the construction of Rajabhakti Park and its giant statues of former kings, but no complaint has been lodged with police over the alleged graft. The accused man has fled the country, according to police sources.

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