PACC combs files in forest graft hunt
An anti-graft agency is combing through its files to see whether a Kaeng Krachan National Park reforestation project in Phetchaburi was hit by graft seven years ago.
The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) was yesterday checking to see whether it received a prior complaint about graft in the reforestation project which took place from late 2011 to the middle of 2012, according to PACC secretary-general Pol Lt Col Korntip Daroj.
The checks were being made after information was shared online pointing out discrepancies in the project to restore 4,200 rai of deteriorated park areas at a cost of 15.9 million baht. Kaeng Krachan National Park encompasses 1.8 million rai of protected forest land.
Reforestation was meant to restore watersheds and food sources for wildlife, including elephants, to prevent them venturing outside the forest and invading farmland in search of food.
The reforestation project took place between November 2011 and June 2012, although it was unclear who initiated it.
Pol Lt Col Korntip said the information posted on social media alleged the area earmarked for reforestation was located deep in rugged terrain which was virtually inaccessible from the outside world.
To replant trees people would have had to walk for days to get to the area and carry the seedlings as well as their tools.
Also, the information on social media said people needed to be hired to plant the trees while food would also have had to be bought to feed the project crew. Questions were raised whether the budget for the project had been misused or whether the money had ended up in someone’s pocket.
Pol Lt Col Korntip said if the PACC did not receive a prior complaint, it would order the provincial PACC office to conduct a fact-finding probe and determine if there were grounds to the allegations.