Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered a second look at the Rajabhakti Park controversy. This decision is both good and bad news. The good news is that Gen Prawit, who is also defence minister, recognises the first, shallow probe of the park's construction satisfied no one. But there is an attitude of here-we-go-again to the second inquiry.
In essence, a military investigation of the military is unlikely to gain full public trust. Probe No.1 proceeded too quickly and facilely, was entirely opaque on every important point and failed to answer key questions. The need to bridge that credibility chasm hangs over the second investigation. And now there are additional, troubling uncertainties.
The military has been far from forthcoming. From the first mention of possible corruption, it has delayed and even obscured the facts. In one way, this is understandable. But the military is currently intertwined with government, and with law enforcement. Indeed, police have appeared to do more legwork and release more information about this troubling scandal than the government.
However, the instant rumours about last week's sudden transfer of Pol Gen Akkaradech Pimolsri from his post as head of the Crime Suppression Division illustrates the lack of trust in all announcements.
One name pops up daily. Gen Udomdej Sitabutr is at the centre of the Rajabhakti Park story. As army commander last year, he instituted and led each aspect of the project. He took the credit when the park was officially opened just three months ago, just before his mandatory retirement.
Gen Udomdej was responsible for the appointment of two key officers now under suspicion for corruption. The two men were touted as his protégés, and now are wanted fugitives. Suchart Prommai was recently cashiered as commander of the 11th Infantry Regiment. He has disappeared from public view, and is also suspected of involvement in the gang charged with lese majeste for illegal actions involving the "Bike for Mom" and "Bike for Dad" events.
Similar charges have been levelled at Maj Gen Suchart's former deputy, ex-colonel Khachachart Boondee, another of Gen Udomdej's protégés. These are serious charges -- millions of baht extorted in shakedowns, threats against Rajabhakti Park donors and allegations of the worst kind of lese majeste.
The allegations against these former officers are some of the worst such crimes ever uncovered. They were allegedly entangled with the gang supposedly headed by the fortune teller Suriyan "Mor Yong" Sucharitpolwong that exploited the bike events for personal gain.
These grave allegations, even unproven, have shocked and disillusioned the public. With senior officers directly appointed by Gen Udomdej involved, the questions are obvious.
Already, charges of whitewash are heard and, more importantly, believed. The defence minister and his boss, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, may be unaware so far of the deep scepticism towards the idea of the army properly investigating corruption charges in its own ranks.
Two bodies with standing and public trust are ready to take over or supplement the military's probe. Gen Prayut should give strong consideration to bringing the National Anti-Corruption Commission on board. He should also think about bringing in the publicly funded Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, which has widespread trust for its integrity.
Failure to consider public opinion is not just a major risk. It is also an unnecessary one. The best option is an independent investigation. Let the chips fall where they may, and let everyone see this government is serious about fighting corruption.