The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared the construction of Rajabhakti Park corruption-free, nearly a year after the military-backed project came under fire for alleged wrongdoing.
According to NACC president Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajakit, the agency's nine commissioners ruled unanimously in the case, brought to them last year by Veera Somkwamkid, secretary-general of the People's Network Against Corruption.
The construction process adhered strictly to official regulations, he said. During their months-long scrutiny, graft-busters saw no improprieties, he added.
Former deputy defence minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr and former Defence Ministry secretary-general Gen Sirichai Dittakul, who were responsible for handling the project, were cross-examined for alleged misconduct and dereliction of duty.
So-called kickbacks were allegedly found after an intermediary known as Sian U, was alleged to have demanded commission fees from foundries hired to cast seven statues. However, the Centre for National Anti-Corruption later announced in March that no irregularities had been found.
Furthermore, the NACC received full cooperation from the army and the Defence Ministry, which conducted their own internal probes into the alleged irregularities, said Pol Gen Watcharapol.
He added that the anti-graft commission requested evidence, including documents which were all delivered.
Several witnesses were questioned but the NACC could find no evidence of impropriety, he said.
"We have informed the plaintiff of our decision, who may ask to know details if he still has questions," Pol Gen Watcharapol said. Mr Veera could not be reached for comment.
Sirawit Serithiwat, a pro-democracy activist arrested as a result of protesting against the project's alleged irregularities last year, said the NACC probe was meaningless.
"While we are under military rule, power is concentrated in the hands of the army," Mr Sirawit, known as Ja New said, hinting the NACC may not have had enough freedom to conduct an independent investigation.