Rajabhakti Park scandal a test for the government: Thai editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Rajabhakti Park scandal a test for the government
The Nation

The fight against corruption could pivot on how allegations of kickbacks for Army officers are handled

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Army has reacted swiftly to revelations that some of its officers might have received kickbacks from foundries commissioned to cast the enormous statues of seven great Thai kings for its Rajabhakti Park project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

If the allegations prove true, what we need to see next is the officers paying a price for their corruption.

Funding for the Bt1-billion, 200-rai park in the resort town of Hua Hin has come mainly through donations.

Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdej Sitabutr, who inaugurated the project while still serving as Army commander in chief, confirmed on Tuesday that officials had intervened in the scandal and that the foundries had agreed to donate money they'd set aside for kickbacks to the Rajabhakti Park Foundation.

Udomdej is currently in the process of passing on to his successor the chairmanship of the foundation, which oversees park operations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has said Udomdej assured him the project was not mired in corruption and that he was ready to facilitate the ongoing investigation. And Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice, while reminding us that "the investigation is not yet concluded, so don't point fingers".

It is indeed too early to jump to conclusions, even if some media reports have pointed to an unnamed amulet expert with alleged links to senior Army officers. The Army has denied any irregularities, though scepticism abounds.

Prime Minister Prayut also noted, defensively, that every group and profession has bad elements, and that fact alone doesn't justify collective condemnation. Fair enough, but what his government must ensure is that bad elements in the Army are publicly punished as further deterrence to corruption.

Prayut, himself a former Army commander in chief, has often denounced graft, even blaming it for the country's most pressing problems. After their coup in May last year, he and the other generals promulgated an interim charter that required the new constitution to include an "efficient mechanism for the prevention, examination and suppression of corruption in both public and private sectors".

The government, which regulates the Army, has to make sure there is no cover-up involving the latest alleged crime. The allegation must be investigated in a fair and transparent manner. Any persons found to be involved - whether junior or senior officers - must be brought to heel.

In this way, any suspicion of a whitewash can be dismissed and the public will be assured that no misdeed will go unpunished, even when the military is the organisation being tainted.

Many high-ranking Army commanders, both retired and serving, are now part of the government and the National Council for Peace and Order. It should thus be easier for this government to dig into such scandals than it would be for a civilian administration. Failure to do so would only suggest there are people in power wishing to hide the truth. The way they deal with this issue will be a test of their sincerity in tackling the corruption that stymies Thailand's development.

No one in government and none of the top Army commanders should entertain thoughts of sparing their "brothers in arms" if they're involved in this scandal.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Rajabhakti-Park-scandal-a-test-for-the-government-30272722.html

-- The Nation 2015-11-12

[smutcakes]

Nothing will come of it. Does anyone really believe the army is not mired in corruption the same as every other Govt and public body.

Why are people even bothering to question this, just sticking their heads in the sand. If anything in an organisation where there is even less accountability than the others corruption is probably worse.

[aircut]

does anyone know what is the overall number of inactive positions available in LOS?

[Thai at Heart]

Oh please.

[SABloke]

Has anyone been to this park? Drove past last month: lots of tour busses etc. but it looked very meh. Is entrance free?

[tbthailand]

is anyone surprised that the most corrupt organization in Thailand might get egg on it's face once in a while?

now if only they were actually accountable to someone...

[smutcakes]

Has anyone been to this park? Drove past last month: lots of tour busses etc. but it looked very meh. Is entrance free?

I went there, in the early days of it being open. It was not easy to get to as there was no direct access off the main road and you had to wind through back streets to get there.

Basically it was just a giant tarmacked area with the statues on. When I was there, there were no toilets, no vendors, no shaded areas and not even anywhere to get a drink. I am sure it has improved now though.

Would not mind seeing the budget 45 mill per sculpture (+/-5% commissions) * 7= say 350 million baht. maybe 1000 sqm of tarmac.... hmm now where is the rest of the 650 million baht donations.....

[zaphod reborn]

The park and memorial is something that Thailand deserved. The location was well-suited as it has served as a seaside retreat for many of Thailand's Kings, including the current one. Sad that an important project like this can't be carried out by any arm of the Thai government without corruption and kickbacks. It will be interesting to see if there are any prosecutions and whether there will be a charge of lese majeste, as section 112 includes statements and acts relating to past royalty and their images.

[UKJASE]

it is definitely worth a visit if you are in hua hin. easy to get to, easy to park. and free to enter. the statues are very impressive. i think an early morning visit would be best, as you would have the sun behind you, and would make for some great photos. the park is not 100% finished yet, so it may be worth waiting until all the work is completed (just dont mention the alleged kickbacks)

[Denim]

If this is a ' test ' for the government then it looks like a fail.

The police have just announced that they have not begun their investigations into the irregularities because nobody has come forward to lodge an official complaint. Without this they cannot proceed.

Interesting excuse. So if somebody commits a murder but no one complains is that ok too ?

[phoenixdoglover]

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has said Udomdej assured him the project was not mired in corruption and that he was ready to facilitate the ongoing investigation. And Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice, while reminding us that "the investigation is not yet concluded, so don't point fingers".

It appears the Army is investigating itself, and the investigation will be "facilitated" by the guy who initiated the project, who has already stated the project was not mired in corruption.

Nothing to worry about, then. Just move along folks. Giant statues straight ahead.

[Krataiboy]

Why will nobody be surprised?

[Denim]

Former Army Chief Explains Royal Park Project Graft

Army officials at the opening ceremony of Rajabhakti Park in Prachuap Kiri Khan province on Aug. 19, 2015.

By Teeranai Charuvastra
Staff Reporter

BANGKOK — Former army chief Udomdet Sitabutr today conceded that a costly government park project he oversaw this year was rife with corruption as alleged in media reports.

Gen. Udomdet said an individual hired by the army for the construction of Rajabhakti Park pocketed 10 percent “commissions” without estimating how much was skimmed from the 1 billion baht project or identifying the culpable party. He said such arrangements were common.

“This allegation is true in some parts but not all, and I think every sector has this kind of thing,” the recently retired army chief said. “Once we found out about it, we took action.”

Rajabhakti Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province features seven giant statues of prominent kings from Thai history and was built under Udomdet’s oversight from November 2014 to August 2015.

Reports about corruption in the project appeared in local media in recent weeks about an investigation into individuals accused of abusing ties to the Royal Family.

Army Colonel Accused of Insulting Monarchy as ‘Royal Impostor’

The reports describe a system under which the army paid a middleman to make arrangements instead of the firms responsible for doing the work, such as the foundries which cast the statues.

The middleman – identified in media accounts only as an amulet businessman – took a 10 percent cut for each king statue, one of which was said to cost 44 million baht. Due to the likelihood of legal action under Thai defamation law, Khaosod English is withholding the man's identity.

Gen. Udomdet admitted as much to reporters today, but said the damage has already been fixed because the middleman returned his commissions “as a donation.”

“But eventually everything ends well … the person donated part of the money voluntarily, and gave the rest to the foundries to complete the statues,” Udomdet said. “Everything ended in an orderly, clean and pure manner, in every step.”

Pressed by reporters, Udomdet said he’s uncertain the money was returned to the army.

“I don’t really know the details. But I can certainly explain all of it. It’s about work by different committees. The financial work was handled by the treasury, and the head of army treasury department can certainly explain it.”

The alleged payments to a middleman are among numerous accusations of corruption surrounding the project, which opened to great fanfare in August. According to a police investigator, unusually high prices were paid for land, equipment and the statues. One statue alone cost 44 million baht, said the anonymous source, while access to VIP seats at the park's opening ceremony was sold for 1 million baht.

Rajabhakti Park in Prachuap Kiri Khan

Despite those suspected irregularities, Gen. Udomdet urged the public not to question the project, and expressed suspicion as to why the issue was being raised.

“I’d like to ask the people who don’t understand this to understand it. Some of you may have good intentions, but please stop, because this is about the people’s faith.” Udomdet told reporters. “I am not worried about this, because I can explain everything, but it’s strange that some time had passed without any issue. Now that there’s another event happening, this issue is connected with that.”

Udomdet’s comments came amid a broadening investigation into what’s described as a clique of individuals who exploited ties to the monarchy for personal benefit. Four people have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged crime, two of which have died in military custody.

The martial court yesterday issued an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect, an army colonel accused of embezzling funds from the Rajabhakti project. Col. Kachachat Boondee is believed to have fled to Myanmar since Oct. 31, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Defense Minister Pravit Wongsuwan declined to comment on the allegations and advised the media to talk to Udomdet instead.

“Gen. Udomdet, who was in charge of the matter, will explain it,” Gen. Pravit said. “I’m not involved in this matter.”

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/

[Denim]

' Despite those suspected irregularities, Gen. Udomdet urged the public not to question the project, and expressed suspicion as to why the issue was being raised.'

Well....you see....it's like this. One of the excuses for the coup was that there was too much corruption and dishonesty within the previously elected government. So....this non elected government has frequently stated that they intend to stamp out corruption. Also....they have stated that everybody must abide by the law. ( unless article 44 is used to brush law aside )

So........ why the suspicion as to why this issue has been raised ?

[fred Kubasa]

Well since they failed the last 2787 " tests" there is no reason to expect a different result so I say FAIL !

Edited November 12, 2015 by fred Kubasa

[taony]

If this is a ' test ' for the government then it looks like a fail.

The police have just announced that they have not begun their investigations into the irregularities because nobody has come forward to lodge an official complaint. Without this they cannot proceed.

Interesting excuse. So if somebody commits a murder but no one complains is that ok too ?

When there is a murder its actually harder. There is actually two complaints needed- the original to do an "investigation" into the death, then another to protest against the "suicide" conclusion by the police.

[smutcakes]

If you cannot trust the army to be transparent and do this project and subsequent investigation properly,what the hell are they going to be like with all these infrastructure projects being rushed through with S44 and the mega billions there to be skimmed.

[Nobb]

The Pm is a Army man so he will let them walk so he does not lose face with his Army. We will hear very little of this matter in the near or any future! As a leader of the Army was he involved?

[Srikcir]

"The Royal Thai Army has reacted swiftly to revelations"

Same as the revelations that army and naval officers may have been involved in human trafficking. It seems the military will only act on military corruption if confronted with evidence. Otherwise on its own it seems complacent. But let it involve civilians, especially PTP officials and the military becomes a raging bull.

[Thai at Heart]

If this is a ' test ' for the government then it looks like a fail.

The police have just announced that they have not begun their investigations into the irregularities because nobody has come forward to lodge an official complaint. Without this they cannot proceed.

Interesting excuse. So if somebody commits a murder but no one complains is that ok too ?

Can I make a complaint?

[jayboy]

I'm tired of the unhelpful bashing the government is receiving for this iconic project.After all if this project was enmired in corruption that would mean our reform oriented government was presiding over and responsible for the worst case of graft - given the context - in several decades.That is of course quite impossible because this project was planned and implemented by "good" people.

However in the extremely unlikely event that this project was tainted by greed and graft the honourable thing would be of course for the PM to resign and retire to a distant village to contemplate his ignominy.

That of course is pure theory and the reality is that this project is pure and untainted in keeping with its objective.How could it be otherwise given it was implemented by a government which seized power to combat corruption?

So it is shameful that press reports give such a misleading impression.

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1447325465

[phoenixdoglover]

“But eventually everything ends well … the person donated part of the money voluntarily, and gave the rest to the foundries to complete the statues,” Udomdet said. “Everything ended in an orderly, clean and pure manner, in every step.”

There seems to be a basic misunderstanding about corruption. When a person solicits and accepts a bribe or kickback, that person has committed a crime. Getting caught and returning the money does not eliminate the crime.

Also, read between the lines. The implication is clear that LM arrests are being used in corruption cases; this is convenient for the other parties who may have been involved or have information. Sorry, we can't talk about the case.

[Orac]

“But eventually everything ends well … the person donated part of the money voluntarily, and gave the rest to the foundries to complete the statues,” Udomdet said. “Everything ended in an orderly, clean and pure manner, in every step.”

There seems to be a basic misunderstanding about corruption. When a person solicits and accepts a bribe or kickback, that person has committed a crime. Getting caught and returning the money does not eliminate the crime.

Also, read between the lines. The implication is clear that LM arrests are being used in corruption cases; this is convenient for the other parties who may have been involved or have information. Sorry, we can't talk about the case.

There is also the question about where the right home is for this money.

As I understand it, the project was funded by public and private donations and was administered by the army through the Army Welfare Fund. If those responsible for the finances on this project had creamed 10% or whatever off the top then it is not necessarily the army that was being cheated so sticking it back in their welfare fund without a proper audit is dubious to say the least.

[thelonius]

I'm tired of the unhelpful bashing the government is receiving for this iconic project.After all if this project was enmired in corruption that would mean our reform oriented government was presiding over and responsible for the worst case of graft - given the context - in several decades.That is of course quite impossible because this project was planned and implemented by "good" people.

However in the extremely unlikely event that this project was tainted by greed and graft the honourable thing would be of course for the PM to resign and retire to a distant village to contemplate his ignominy.

That of course is pure theory and the reality is that this project is pure and untainted in keeping with its objective.How could it be otherwise given it was implemented by a government which seized power to combat corruption?

So it is shameful that press reports give such a misleading impression.

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1447325465

Not just Press reports. This latest report by Transparency International doesn't make comfortable reading for those who really believe the army took control to combat corruption;

Thailand’s GI ranking in Band E places it in the “very high” risk category for corruption in the defence and security sector. Since the May 2014 military coup, there has been no independent scrutiny of defence policy by the legislature, a lack of budget transparency, and insufficient institutional measures concerning most aspects of the procurement cycle. While pre-coup anti-corruption organisations like the National Anti-Corruption Commission still enjoy a quasi-legal status, they lack sufficient influence to curtail military involvement with the proliferation of organized crime in southern Thailand or ghost soldiers. Taken together, these corruption risks not only pose a serious threat to the stability of the state but fundamentally undermine its accountability to the people of Thailand.

http://government.defenceindex.org/countries/thailand/

In fact they suggest the following reforms should take place:

• Re-establish Civilian Oversight over the Defence Policy and budget
• Eliminating Organised crime in the military
• Establish Clear Criteria for Promotions to avoid nepotism

I wonder if the junta will be as keen on these suggested reforms as they are on others?

[Sakeopete]

If this is a ' test ' for the government then it looks like a fail.

The police have just announced that they have not begun their investigations into the irregularities because nobody has come forward to lodge an official complaint. Without this they cannot proceed.

Interesting excuse. So if somebody commits a murder but no one complains is that ok too ?

Can I make a complaint?

Sure but you better have your "Blood Infection" medicine ready when the army takes you away for questioning.

[JAG]

If you cannot trust the army to be transparent and do this project and subsequent investigation properly,what the hell are they going to be like with all these infrastructure projects being rushed through with S44 and the mega billions there to be skimmed.

Very very wealthy?

I believe a favourite expression in circles not unconnected with this forum is "amply rich".

Edited November 12, 2015 by JAG