Probe begins into alleged corruption in Phuket pier construction

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Probe begins into alleged corruption in Phuket pier construction
Nattha Thepbamrung


The Rawai Pier: B4 million is alleged to have gone astray.

PHUKET: -- A committee chaired by Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak met yesterday (December 15) to inquire into alleged corruption during the construction of the Rawai Pier.

The corruption is believed to have caused a loss to the state of B4 million.

The probe has been ordered by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), Surat Thani branch, which wrote to Governor Nisit Jansomwong ordering him to set up the committee to investigate people believed to be involved in possible corruption.

The letter from the OAG noted that the cost of materials requested by the local Procurement Price Setting Board (PPSB) differed from the estimate made by the OAG’s engineer – which the PPSB was obliged to follow.

In addition, the cost of office rental and workers’ accommodation, the OAG noted, was B345,000 more than the correct estimate.

The OAG’s engineer calculated that the real cost of building the pier should have been B44.9 million while the actual amount applied to the project was B48.9 million, a difference of B4 million.

Rawai Mayor Arun Soros and members of the PPSB will be at the centre of the investigation.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/probe-begins-into-alleged-corruption-in-phuket-pier-construction-50121.php

-- Phuket News 2014-12-16

[Bogan Koori]

Its an expensive walkway, it doesnt get used for much else. Just a few sea gypies poaching marine life to sell in their shanty town

[stevenl]

Yes, I agree that the pier is useless.

But only 10% gone astray, seems like a decent project.

[BigBadGeordie]

Yes, I agree that the pier is useless.

But only 10% gone astray, seems like a decent project.

By Thai standards an example of probity and best practice.

[DaveHKT]

"...alleged corruption...". To quote Father Christmas "oh, oh, oh"

[LivinginKata]

Walkway might be 'useless' to some, but any buiding project is 'profit' to those in charge of the project.

[steelepulse]

10% skim does sound on the very light side compared to the 10 million baht Patong City sign, 50 million baht statues of heroines and dolphins, and the list of other boondoggles that have happened here.

I never knew there was such an oversight committee from the OAG. They must be very busy looking at every inflated project throughout the country.

[Lupatria]

There is no corruption in LOS it's called 'enhanced Thainess' and its part of the culture!

[slipperx]

Corruption is ingrained and expected here and everyone in power does it pretty much. The difference between Thailand and some other countries is that corruption is never seen to really be punished. Therefore Thais learn that it is s good thing to do and no one gets hurt. They think so one dimensionally that the effects of their corruption are never considered - it is Thai culture and has been left untouched by the governments of the day for the hast 80 years so no surprise really

[Gandtee]

Koh Samet pier next??

[richusa]

Every Thai official NEEDS to get paid.

[Suffinator]

B48.9 million ... for what is nothing short of pure dog crap.

[Benmart]

Corruption is ingrained and expected here and everyone in power does it pretty much. The difference between Thailand and some other countries is that corruption is never seen to really be punished. Therefore Thais learn that it is s good thing to do and no one gets hurt. They think so one dimensionally that the effects of their corruption are never considered - it is Thai culture and has been left untouched by the governments of the day for the hast 80 years so no surprise really

Yes, from my experience, it is sadly true.

Many seem to have their eyes focused on the tree of greed with their hands diving into the pockets of others.

Many appear to be superficially adhering to the tenants of a virtuous belief, while at the same time shaming the very concepts of the same.

[mike324]

i love all these corruption probes, finally catching up to these crooks and making them watch their back for their next move when they reach into the cookie jar

[KarenBravo]

Totally pointless as the end of the pier can't be reached by boat during low tide.