As part of the ‘Pinning Areas at Risk of Corruption’ project, NACC Phuket Chief Suwat Saowarat led field inspections with local officials, members of the Phuket STRONG Club, and representatives from the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office on Aug 18-19.
While the inspections were carried out early last week, NACC Phuket publicly posted their report of the inspections only today (Aug 28).
The inspections focused on excavation and filling operations, which are governed by the Excavation and Filling Act of 2000 (B.E. 2543). The law requires local officials to authorise such works to prevent risks to public safety, property, and the environment. Operators must also implement measures to prevent soil collapse and structural damage, said the NACC Phuket report.
On Aug 18, the team inspected a land excavation and filling site in Karon, with officials from Karon Municipality also present. The following day, attention shifted to Srisoonthorn, where two locations were examined: an excavation site linked to the Kathu–Manik Road project connecting Kathu and Thalang, and another near the northern edge of the Bang Neow Dam reservoir.
Officials noted that one of the Srisoonthorn sites was close to the construction of a luxury villa on Soi Khok Moo, raising concerns about potential unauthorised land alteration. Srisoonthorn Municipality officials later joined an additional inspection of an excavation and filling operation on Aug 20.
According to the NACC Phuket office, excavation and filling activities were chosen as the focus of this anti-corruption initiative to raise awareness among local authorities about the importance of strict permitting and oversight. The project also supports Section 33 of the Organic Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption (B.E. 2561 / 2018), which emphasises public participation in preventing corruption, the NACC Phuket report noted.
During the site visits, NACC officials observed operations, provided recommendations and listened to challenges faced by local administrators in enforcing regulations.
“The NACC Phuket office has instructed its officers to perform their duties in strict compliance with the law and regulations,” the agency said in its report. “We will continue to monitor, follow up, and take action within the scope of our authority.”