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NACC Urgently Investigates Abandoned 5.9 Million Baht Scenic Viewpoint Project

23/09/2024

NACC Urgently Investigates Abandoned 5.9 Million Baht Scenic Viewpoint Project

 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has revealed that residents of Nong Bua, Ratsada District, Trang Province, have lodged a complaint regarding the construction of the Khuan Ai Kwang scenic viewpoint. The project, which cost 5.9 million baht, has been left abandoned and neglected for over a year, with no maintenance. The NACC is expediting the investigation to prevent any potential corruption.

 

Bandit Khanasuwan, Director of the Trang NACC Office, disclosed that his office, together with officials from the Nong Bua Subdistrict Administrative Organization and relevant agencies, inspected the construction of the Khuan Ai Kwang scenic viewpoint, which had a budget allocation of over 5.9 million baht and was completed in 2022. Local residents have complained that the site has been left unused, overgrown with grass, and deteriorating due to lack of care.

 

Initial information reveals that the viewpoint was previously a road used by villagers to access rubber plantations. Recognizing the area’s scenic potential, there was an intention to develop it into a tourist attraction, as it connects to the Wang Phaya Phichai Songkhram Cave and was expected to attract tourists, thereby generating income for the community.

 

A budget request was submitted, and permission was sought from the Royal Forest Department before bidding and construction began. The path to the Khuan Ai Kwang viewpoint (Wang Phaya Phichai Songkhram Cave) involves a steep and curving 1-kilometer road paved with cement, with five resting spots and a parking area at the top. The facilities include a tourist reception building, a restroom, and several decorated spots around the viewpoint, including tables, chairs, swings, and photo booths. However, the area has been left neglected and has deteriorated.

 

Following the complaint, the NACC is urgently conducting an investigation. A committee is being formed to examine the liability of officials involved in the project, particularly regarding whether gross negligence occurred, as the construction and buildings were initiated without proper permission from the Royal Forest Department.

 

The move is a regulatory requirement for coordinating government projects, where the responsible agency must seek approval from the relevant authorities before using allocated funds for construction. Furthermore, residents have questioned why the construction, which took over two years to complete, proceeded without intervention from forest officials, who should have halted the project before it was finalized. This has resulted in wasted government funds and may have caused damage to forest resources.

 

The Trang NACC Office will expedite the investigation and take legal action as necessary.

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