Report Pattaya Sports Complex in Disrepair: NACC Investigates Delays

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Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

The Eastern Region National Sports Complex in Pattaya, a project with a staggering budget of 774 million baht, has become a testament to unfinished promises and inefficiency. Intended to be a national hub for sports events, the complex has remained incomplete since construction began in 2008.

 

Designed to cover 59 hectares with a seating capacity of 20,000, the facility's completion was initially scheduled for between 2008 and 2017. However, as of today, much of the infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with significant sections in a state of neglect.

 

On June 26, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), led by Secretary-General Saroj Phueng-ramphan, conducted an on-site inspection. The visit highlighted the discrepancy between the complex’s potential and its current derelict state. Despite the significant public investment, damaged equipment and unfinished facilities paint a stark picture of misuse and inefficiency.

 

Boonthian Jansuk, Director of Pattaya’s Engineering Office, provided updates on ongoing repair efforts, which include electrical work, seating maintenance, and air conditioning repairs. Yet, major components like the main grandstand entrance, ramps, and steel roof structures remain incomplete. Although the goal is to finish these by December, further delays are anticipated due to drainage issues and outdated machinery.

 

The NACC's scrutiny stems from growing concerns about the misuse of public funds and the project's prolonged stagnation. Saroj cited contractor inefficiencies, complications from the Covid-19 pandemic, and specific technical challenges as primary reasons for the delays.

 

Since early 2023, the NACC has been actively working with local authorities, contractors, and stakeholders to enforce better budget management and project oversight. Significant progress is hoped for, with major works aimed for completion by December 2025. Remaining tasks, such as landscaping and seating installations, will follow.

 

Although the NACC emphasises that corruption has not been directly linked to the delays, the investigation focuses on ensuring transparency and accountability. In discussions with Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, the NACC addressed concerns about post-completion management, stressing the importance of maintaining the facility’s equipment for competitive and training purposes.

 

Large-scale infrastructure projects frequently face maintenance challenges post-completion. As such, the authorities are proactive in developing sustainable maintenance plans to preserve the facility’s quality and prolong its utility.

 

In parallel with the sports complex investigation, the NACC also examined the construction of a drainage system at Soi Thepprasit 9, which is another vital infrastructure project with a budget of 190 million baht. This project too remains unfinished, causing significant road closures and severely limiting access in the area.

 

These inspections by the NACC underscore the broader challenge of infrastructure development and the pressing need for effective project management. Both projects represent critical investments in the region’s development but highlight a recurring struggle with timely completion and efficient execution.

 

The authorities' focus on transparency and accountability seeks to restore public confidence in future projects. With sustained oversight and commitment to resolving existing hurdles, the hope is to finally complete these projects and realise their intended benefits for the Pattaya community.

 

As the NACC continues its investigations, the spotlight remains firmly on ensuring that public resources are utilised effectively and that projects designed to benefit the community do not become burdens on future generations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-27