Irregularities have been found in many of the government's weir construction projects as part of the Thai Niyom Yangyuen scheme, Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) secretary-general Korntip Daroj said Monday.
In many cases, no weir was found in the areas as stated in the proposal, he said, adding many projects have been left unfinished.
"Irregularities ranged from labour costs to construction materials," he said.
The PACC secretary-general said a coalition has been formed with several other agencies including the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand to prevent irregularities in 1,097 weir construction projects in 45 provinces.
Lt Col Korntip said the initial stage of the project will be examined first, starting from project design. Risk assessment will follow in a bid to detect any wrongdoing, he added.
He said a deeper investigation will be conducted if any irregularities are suspected and the suspects will be transferred to other posts so as not to obstruct the probe. Any party found guilty of violating the law will face legal and disciplinary action, he added.
The PACC secretary-general said several cases of irregularities are still being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
He added the Land Development Department has streamlined the project to encourage broader public participation.
The weir construction projects are being supervised by the Land Development Department.
Phanphit Buangnawa, director of the department's planning office, said the projects for fiscal 2018 will cost 100,000 baht each including investment costs of 61,000 baht and operational costs running to 39,000 baht.
The concrete structures are four to five metres wide.
Lt Gen Padung Yingpaiboonsuk said the Isoc is ready to support the PACC in examining the projects.