Anti-Corruption Agencies Scrutinize 600 Million Baht Flood Recovery Budget in Songkhla
Thai oversight bodies are investigating 23 flood restoration projects in Songkhla province following concerns over budget transparency and inflated costs.
According to a report from Khaosod Online, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) are closely monitoring 23 irrigation repair and restoration projects in Songkhla province. These projects, valued at approximately 600 million baht, were initiated to address damage caused by flooding in 2025.
OAG Region 15 recently identified irregularities in the 77-million-baht Ban Nuea Khlong reservoir repair project in Sadao district. Auditors discovered that the median price calculation was inflated, particularly regarding earthwork volumes. Following an OAG intervention, the Irrigation Department reviewed the figures and reduced the project cost, successfully saving approximately 16 to 17 million baht in state funds.
For residents and visitors, this oversight highlights ongoing efforts to ensure public infrastructure funds are spent effectively. While the immediate focus is on preventing corruption, the investigation underscores the importance of structural integrity in flood-prone areas. It remains to be confirmed whether further irregularities will be uncovered across the remaining 22 projects currently under review. Authorities continue to coordinate efforts to ensure that all restoration work aligns with actual construction requirements and remains transparent. No further details regarding potential legal actions against specific contractors have been released at this time.
