A major government construction project in Phrae worth 657,115,400 baht has stalled after contractors reportedly abandoned the site with work only about 25% complete. Officials say workers and equipment have already been removed, raising concerns that the contractor has effectively walked away from the project.
Get today's headlines by email 
The issue was discussed at 09:00 on 6 March during a meeting at the Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office in Phrae. The meeting was attended by a 24-member oversight delegation led by Nattanun Buasak, Director of the Anti-Corruption Suppression Group in the Public Sector 3, alongside Sarisa Rodthao from the public sector corruption prevention division, Chakkrik Phondahan, Deputy Auditor-General (Regional Audit Office 9), Anucha Satyadit, head of the Phrae Provincial Audit Office, and Teerapong Thong-on, a provincial governance representative. The meeting was chaired by Vice-Governor Chaiyasit Chaisamritphon, who is responsible for overseeing the project.
According to Sithipat Palanan, head of the Phrae Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office, the project was funded under the 2020 fiscal budget through the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. Construction was awarded through an electronic bidding process to a joint venture between Akorn Development Co., Ltd. and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd.. The initial construction contract was valued at 539,995,000 baht with a planned duration of 1,080 days.
Work officially began on 31 March 2021 with the original completion deadline set for 14 March 2027. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a government measure allowing an additional 554 days for completion and additional costs, extending the deadline to 19 September 2028.
Despite the extension, the project has progressed to only 25.13% completion. Officials say the contractor has received an advance payment of about 81 million baht, and payments of 36 instalments totalling 63,759,200 baht.
The project includes construction of several facilities: a four-storey provincial government building, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a cafeteria building, a commercial clubhouse building, and associated site infrastructure.
Nattanun Buasak said evidence suggests the contractor has begun removing workers and construction equipment from the site, indicating the project may have been abandoned. Authorities are now moving forward with procedures to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor to complete the project.
Officials are also reviewing whether the completed work corresponds to the funds already disbursed and are calculating the potential financial damage to the state. The contractor has reportedly cited pandemic disruptions, financial liquidity problems, and bureaucratic approval procedures as factors that slowed the construction.
Local residents in Phrae have expressed concern that the stalled project reflects inadequate oversight by provincial authorities. The delays are seen as affecting both the province’s development plans and the use of taxpayer funds.
Matichon reported that authorities are expected to proceed with the contract cancellation process while conducting a detailed financial assessment. A replacement contractor will then need to be selected to continue construction of the provincial government centre.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 8 Mar 2026