Pattani Audit Finds Two Canal Projects Stalled, Same Contractor Used

The Office of the Auditor General in Pattani revealed an on-site inspection of two canal dredging projects for local fishing boat access and mooring by the Laem Pho Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in Yaring District, Pattani Province. The inspection followed concerns requiring urgent verification of work progress and quantities to prevent government losses.

Both projects were awarded to the same contractor, South Siam Building Limited Partnership, with overlapping contract periods from August 25 to November 23.

The first project, in Moo 1 Ban Wae Bu Ngo, has a contract value of 877,000 baht. Officials found that more than half the contract period has elapsed, yet no workers or machinery have been mobilized for dredging because equipment was diverted to the second project first, necessitating urgent action.

The second project, in Moo 2 Ban Talok Samilae, is valued at 1,180,000 baht. Although work has progressed, preliminary checks on width, depth, and actual excavated volume reveal issues needing clear verification. The contract stipulates excavation of no less than 24,400 cubic meters of soil. Obstacles remain on site, including a boat dock and an abandoned dredger that have not been removed.

Following the inspection, the Pattani Auditor General's Office instructed the Laem Pho SAO to urgently compel the contractor to commence the first project. It also directed the project supervisor and the procurement inspection committee for the second project to accurately measure and calculate actual excavated volumes before accepting the work and disbursing funds.

The Pattani Auditor General's Office will closely monitor both projects to ensure budget usage complies with contracts and safeguards government interests.