Anti-Corruption Probe Into Phichit Water Gate Repair Fraud
Anti-corruption investigators found that a 4.48-million-baht repair contract for a water control gate in Phichit was inflated, with officials billing for new steel beams when only installation work was needed, causing 333,000 baht in losses
On September 13, 2024, Thanaporn Tangchan, acting director of the Phichit Provincial Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, announced that the commission has referred charges in the case of repairs to the Dong Sai Water Control Gate in Yan Yao subdistrict, Muang Phichit, Phichit province. Region 9 Water Resources Office had contracted a company for the work on November 30, 2019, for 4,484,000 baht, with the work completed, inspected, and fully paid.
Investigations revealed that the steel H-beam overhead crane structure at the facility was already in sound condition, requiring only installation of running rails, mechanical components, electric hoists, and repainting of the existing beam. However, the bill of quantities showed new beam installation, with full payment issued without deducting for unperformed work, causing 333,000 baht in losses.
Further findings showed an outside party subcontracted all electrical work from the main contractor. While the bill of quantities valued the work at 4,025,700 baht, the subcontractor claimed receiving only 1,407,216.49 baht. The subcontracting was linked to Chalemsak Sarchai, accused person number 4, who served as the goods inspection committee member for the same project.
The commission unanimously voted to charge accused persons 2 through 6—Nitthat, Pisitr, Chalemsak, Kamtorn, and Alongkot—with criminal offenses under the Penal Code sections 157 and 162, and the Anti-Corruption Act sections 172, plus serious disciplinary violations. Chanpinit Engineering Company Limited (accused 7) and director Yollada (accused 8) face charges as accomplices. Nimitra Kotrabua (accused 1) had insufficient evidence, and charges were dismissed.
The case has been referred to the Supreme Prosecutor's Office for criminal prosecution and to supervisors for disciplinary action, with the Department of Water Resources instructed to pursue damages recovery.
