Bangkok: A petition has been submitted to the House Committee on Military Affairs to investigate substandard bunkers in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, which are at risk of collapse and may involve budget corruption.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chat Suphatwanich, the third vice chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs, announced the official submission of a complaint letter requesting an investigation into the use of budget for the construction of military shelters in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. The complaint, supported by photographic evidence, details the use of thin precast concrete slabs for walls and natural wood logs as supports, coupled with wood and plastic sheeting to support the soil on top of the roof.
The concerns raised include potential risks to life due to the structural condition of the shelters, which are likely to collapse, particularly during the rainy season. The substandard quality of construction reportedly fails to meet military engineering standards necessary for protecting troops. Additionally, there are doubts regarding budget allocation, as a budget of 50,000 baht was approved per bunker, but the actual cost was 35,000 baht for each of the approximately 90 bunkers, raising concerns about fund management.
The letter submitted to the Chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs aims to ensure efficient, effective, and transparent use of public funds, as well as to safeguard the welfare and safety of personnel in border areas. The petition calls for relevant documents from responsible agencies and invites them to meetings with the House Committee to address these issues.