The army has ruled out possible corruption in the construction of Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin as reported by local media.
Citing police sources, some outlets reported this week that a number of military officers of the major general and colonel ranks might have skimmed money from donations made to build the park and for the casting costs of seven larger-than-life statues of seven Thai kings installed there.
The reports said the officers might have been involved with the extortion gang of Suriyan Sucharitpolwong, also known as the fortune-teller Mor Yong. Mr Suriyan and two other people were arrested for lese majeste in mid-October. They had allegedly extorted money from businesses for the Bike for Mom and Bike for Dad events, claiming links to the monarchy.
Col Winthai Suwaree, a spokesman for the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said on Saturday that the reports about the Rajabhakti Park corruption were entirely false.
"According to the latest information from the police, there were no corruption allegations, especially in the construction. It fully followed the bureaucratic model with full transparency in every step. So it's extremely difficult that anyone could have done so," he said.
However, he said was not so sure about extra activities held to promote the park.
"Activities such as biking and concerts were jointly held with the private sector. In any case, there is no information that such suspects were involved in the management.
“The officer mentioned by the media might have coordinated some of these activities. If responsible agencies need more information, they may contact us so we can help them find the truths," he said.
Col Winthai apparently was referring to Col Kachachart Boondee of the 3rd Army Region, who is said to have illegally crossed into Myanmar from Mae Hong Song on Nov 1. Thai authorities have already asked Myanmar to deport him.
Col Kachachart, a former aide to ex-army chief Udomdej Sitabutr, was promoted to deputy commander of the 11th Circle Army by Gen Udomdej shortly before Gen Udomdej retired on Sept 30.
However, when Gen Theerachai Nakvanich took over as army chief, he transferred Col Kachachart back to the 3rd Army Region as chief of staff on Oct 5.
An initiative of the army to commemorate Thailand’s past kings, the 222-rai Rajabhakti Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan cost 1 billion baht to build, all of which came from donations.