The allegations, initially investigated by local politicians and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Region 8 branch, claim that the project had repeatedly breached environmental laws, and that corruption was involved in allowing the project to proceed.
NACC Phuket Director Suwat Saowaran confirmed directly to The Phuket News that his office has been formally requested to investigate the construction of the ‘One World’ condo project in Cherng Talay.
The request came amid allegations of corruption in the project having its EIA approved, and gaining other essential permits, as well as for alleged ongoing breaches that apparently breach its own EIA requirements, Mr Saowaran explained.
In response, in a statement to The Phuket News, One World One Home Condominium BangTao said, “The reports contain multiple factual inaccuracies that are severely damaging the legal standing and corporate reputation of our company. We wish to provide the following factual clarifications, supported by evidence.”
The statement, in its own words, highlighted the following:
- Legal Compliance and EIA Approval
The "One World One Home" project is and has always been fully legal and compliant. We have officially secured the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) approval from the relevant Thai government authorities. The minor issue concerning construction working hours has been resolved. Upon government intervention and investigation, the project’s legal compliance was re-confirmed, and the project was temporarily halted for only three days for comprehensive rectification before resuming normal operation.
- Joint Inspection and Clean Bill of Health
Following a series of malicious false accusations, various Thai government departments conducted joint enforcement inspections at our site. The authorities concluded that, apart from minor administrative issues related to a small number of Chinese laborers’ work permits, the project is fully compliant with all Thai laws and regulations and was permitted to continue normal operation. The accusations of malicious whistleblowing and suspected corruption have been proven to be factually unfounded by these official government inspections.
- Misleading Imagery
We must emphasize that the images used in your report do not depict the "One World One Home" project.
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Local Support
Our project company is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility in Thailand and maintains an excellent reputation within the local community and government circles. Upon learning of the false accusations, a former Thai Prime Minister [sic] and a General of the Royal Thai Army personally visited the site to show support [see post online here].
The local community has also expressed strong concern. We continue our extensive charity work, including providing rice and oil to needy local residents and donating funds and supplies to victims in the Hat Yai disaster area.
The developer later confirmed to The Phuket News that the “former Thai Prime Minister” was actually Alongkorn Ponlaboot, who visited the site on Nov 18. The Army General referred to was Lt Gen Boonsin Phadklang, who visited the site on Dec 6.
Mr Alongkorn, a former leader of the Democrat Party, is also a former Deputy Minister of Commerce under the Abhisit Vejjajiva government in 2011. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Alongkorn Farm & Resort in Pechaburi and Advisor to the Association of Credit Corporations of Thailand.
Lt Gen Boonsin, widely known as ‘Capt Goong’, is a former Commander of the 2nd Army Region and is currently Advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. The popular retired Army Commander visited Phuket in November to deliver his ‘Thai DNA’ speech, focusing on Thai patriotism.