Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr says he is confident the current investigation into alleged corruption in the controversial Rajabhakti Park project will be carried out fairly. Speaking yesterday at Government House, Gen Udomdej, who chaired the Rajabhakti Park Foundation while he was army chief, said he had no worries about the latest probe into the scandal-plagued park. Findings from the probe, being carried out by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), come out this week, he added. The OAG and NACC stepped in after United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship co-leader Nattawut Saikuar pointed to cracks which had opened in concreted areas where people walk in the park. He suggested misspending in the project, earlier dogged by claims that an amulet trader demanded kickbacks from foundries that cast the park's giant statues Earlier, the Royal Thai Army and the Defence Ministry inspected the project's administration and concluded no spending irregularities were detected, Gen Udomdej said, adding every inspection procedure had been carried out in line with the Prime Minister's Office's requirements. "There are no irregularities in the project," he insisted The defence panel which investigated the park project said it operated under limited power and as such had been unable to find anything wrong, but some suspicious matters were in need of further probes.
Gen Udomdej said the one-billion-baht Rajabhakit Park was built with good intentions. Located in a military compound at Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district, the park showcases the statues of seven former kings who had leading roles in shaping the country, he said Many people do not understand the intentions behind the park's construction, he complained. Future plans at the park include a library and toilet facilities which will be funded by donations.