The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) is urging the army to come clean on details of the Rajabhakti Park project, saying it should provide more information for the sake of transparency even though an internal probe has found no irregularities.
ACT secretary-general Mana Nimitmongkol said the alleged irregularities surrounding Rajabhakti Park are the biggest to emerge in a military project since the coup and should not be brushed over.
He was referring to the army's press conference last Friday where it unveiled the results of a probe by army commander Theerachai Nakvanich who declared the project clean and the case closed. The army chief added "the media is in no position" to check the incomes and expenses for the project and there is no need for anti-graft authorities to step in.
Mr Mana said too little information has been released to help the public understand what happened. He said the questions surrounding the scandal range from overpriced palm trees, to expensive banquet seats to commission fees related to the building of giant statues of former kings at the park.
Mr Mana said these questions should be addressed one by one as prices may vary depending on conditions and specifications.
"There is a need [for the parties involved] to come clean with information to show transparency. I believe the people know the difference between self-interest and business deals," he said. He also said public donations managed by state authorities should be examined especially when there are doubts about irregularities. Independent agencies such as the National Anti- Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) can step in.
Pheu Thai Party's acting deputy secretary-general Chavalit Vichayasuth, meanwhile, insists the state auditor is authorised to look into spending related to the Rajabhakti Park project.
Citing a ministerial directive from the Finance Ministry, he said public donations made to a state agency are subject to examination by the Office of the Auditor-General.
The park project was launched by former army chief Udomdej Sitabutr with the Rajabhakti Park Foundation set up to manage the park, with donations from private businesses and the public sought to finance the project. The donations were received by the army's directorate of civil affairs.
Mr Chavalit said an examination by the state auditor would help every party including Gen Udomdej, who is also deputy defence minister.
It will also benefit the incumbent army chief who takes over the park management. He said the military government will also be able to fend off criticism that it has taken no action because it wants to protect its own people.