ThaiPublica sues army for details on Rajabhakti statues

By Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter -

 

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

 

BANGKOK — A journalism nonprofit said Tuesday it is still waiting for responses from the military and national graft agency after it sued for details about the cost of royal monuments built by the army last year.

 

Months after the army said its own internal investigation found no graft after scandal hit Rajabhakti Park, believed to have cost 1 billion baht, investigative nonprofit ThaiPublica announced Sunday it had sued the army to disclose more information about its spending process.

 

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2016/09/20/thaipublica-sues-army-details-rajabhakti-statues/

 

-- © Copyright Khaosod English 2016-09-20

Kudos to ThaiPublica who have the guts to take on alleged military corruption. Wish there are more NGOs and activists that have the courage to engage the military to be more transparent and upfront with their undertakings that are tinged with corruption, cronyism and nepotism. Things that they boldly state that they Intend to eradicate

in their 20 years manifesto. 

Don't expect this complaint to last long either. 

Nice try.

But on September 7th the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday unanimously (9-0) agreed that there was no graft in the Rajabhakti Park project. Earlier this year the Anti-Money Laundering Office also concluded there were no irregularities in the project. Even the Army investigated itself and ... wait for it ... gave an "all clear" to allegations of misconduct to the project. Do remember that the project also received in essence royal endorsement in its opening ceremonies. http://www.hulutrip.com/news/201510/219247.html

 

Any accusations of irregularities in the project at this point certainly will fail and might be considered defamation by the Army; and breach of cyber laws if posted online. That's just the reality of justice in Thailand now.

9 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Nice try.

But on September 7th the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday unanimously (9-0) agreed that there was no graft in the Rajabhakti Park project. Earlier this year the Anti-Money Laundering Office also concluded there were no irregularities in the project. Even the Army investigated itself and ... wait for it ... gave an "all clear" to allegations of misconduct to the project. Do remember that the project also received in essence royal endorsement in its opening ceremonies. http://www.hulutrip.com/news/201510/219247.html

 

Any accusations of irregularities in the project at this point certainly will fail and might be considered defamation by the Army; and breach of cyber laws if posted online. That's just the reality of justice in Thailand now.

 

Won't they just! There's even a possible lese majeste in there for them if they want it. The times they are a changin.....

suing the army in thailand must be about as difficult as suing god in the western world. everyone locked up for a long stretch for defamation of the army and royal family would be the expected outcome from this is i suspect, followed by some asset confiscation for good measure.

So, when the "all clear" was given by all three organisations for this project, they no doubt illustrated the reasons for their findings by publishing all the relevant figures?  I cannot recall seeing them but must have just missed them!  

They obviously are not Thai patriots, keep it hidden and wai, if in doubt give a stupid smile.

On 9/20/2016 at 2:17 PM, Eric Loh said:

courage to engage the military to be more transparent and upfront with their undertakings that are tinged with corruption, cronyism and nepotism. Things that they boldly state that they Intend to eradicate. 

Its the corruption cronyism and nepotism part exactly that will keep them from getting a true answer.