Audit Reveals Underutilized Public Buildings in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
The Office of the Auditor General of Thailand has reported that 25% of inspected public buildings in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are underutilized or abandoned.
A recent audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) of Thailand has highlighted significant concerns regarding the management of public infrastructure in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. According to Prachachat Business, the audit examined public buildings with a combined construction value exceeding 550 million baht.
Out of 66 randomly inspected sites, the OAG found that one-quarter—approximately 25%—were not being utilized to their full potential. Some of these facilities were reported as abandoned, while others suffered from a lack of maintenance and physical deterioration. Ms. Phuttachat Tanyong, representing the OAG, has urged local administrative organizations to overhaul their management systems to ensure that construction budgets are translated into tangible benefits for the public.
For residents and visitors, this report underscores potential inefficiencies in local government spending. While these findings do not directly impact tourism or daily safety, they reflect ongoing challenges in the maintenance of public assets. It remains to be confirmed how local administrative organizations will respond to these findings and what specific measures will be taken to rehabilitate or repurpose the neglected structures. The OAG continues to emphasize the need for accountability in the use of public funds to prevent further waste of taxpayer resources.
