Govt can’t make Rajabhakti Park scandal go away
The military regime is like the proverbial monkey caught in a messy net: the more it tries to untangle the knots, the deeper it gets stuck in the web of the Rajabhakti Park saga, says the cover story of Matichon Weekly.
From allegations that foundries were asked to pay commissions, to overpriced palm trees and Chinese-style banquets, the scandal over the park’s construction has now expanded to take in concerns that it relied on a state budget of 63 million baht, said the article.
A probe into the scandal by the army ended with an “all-clear” result, but public concerns mounted, which prompted the Ministry of Defence to start another investigation. The findings are not in yet.
As far as military personnel are concerned, the scandal has moved from an army major general and colonel to reach Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr, who has come under pressure to resign.
Worse, it shows no sign of stopping. “This shows the Rajabhakti Park scandal can’t be confined to the army any more,” the article said.
“It’s something for which the government and National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] must take full responsibility,” it said.
The stickiest knot the military regime is facing concerns a recent attempt by student activists to take the train to “shine light” on the Rajabhakti Park scandal.
The students’ trip was cut short when authorities stopped their train in Ratchaburi. They detained several dozen activists, including leader Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat, for seven hours before releasing them.
The students, who proclaimed victory, said the failed trip exposed the true nature of the military.
The interception of the student activists at Ban Pong train station in Ratchaburi followed the same pattern as the army’s earlier arrest of red shirt leaders Jatuporn Prompan and Nattawut Saikaur while on their way to Rajabhakti Park.
“These repeated interceptions bring the military regime more problems than solutions,” the story said.
“The truth is, these detainment measures can only stop attempts to look into alleged corruption at the park temporarily. It can’t stop them forever,” the article said.
After his release, Mr Sirawith said he would try again to travel to the park before the New Year. He said he would go there as a tourist.
Some have started to wonder why the military regime is so afraid of attempts to “shine light” on the park if it really has nothing to hide.
“Why do the powers-that-be reserve the right to probe the project funded by donations and taxpayers’ money? This question alone can take a heavy toll on the government and NCPO,” the article said.
The regime said it was merely attempting to prevent activists from clashing with local people who disagreed with their stance.
The explanation begs the question why the activists had to be detained for as long as seven hours. Nor does it explain why they were made to sign an agreement to avoid any further political activity.
“Society will have to keep watch on how far the military’s attempts to stop the light from being shone on the saga can go. The park can’t be seen in its full glory in an atmosphere of darkness and public doubt,” the article said.