State Audit Office Reveals Illegal COVID Recovery Budget Spending

The State Audit Office (SAO) revealed the results of an audit on a research and development project aimed at recovering the economy from COVID-19 impacts in the Northeastern and Southern regions of a university. The project, with an approved budget of 407,934,400 baht, was found to violate multiple laws, including financial discipline, public procurement, and government bidding regulations. Key irregularities included: - Project activities not matching actual implementation - Fabricated participant lists and expense documentation - Improper procurement processes - Incorrect or unverifiable material receipts - Unclear financial transaction paths The main causes were identified as: 1) Weak project oversight 2) Inadequate internal controls 3) Rushed budget spending during crisis without sufficient checks 4) Lack of transparency and accountability The SAO recommended: 1) Disciplinary investigations and damage compensation 2) Strict improvements in procurement and material receipt processes The office emphasized that these financial irregularities not only cause monetary damage but also undermine public trust, economic recovery policy effectiveness, and create long-term fiscal burdens.