NACC inspections identify violations in the excavation and filling of soil around villas and roads, verifying the legality of the work and ensuring the proper use of licenses.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Phuket Province has initiated a project to identify areas of corruption risk, with a particular focus on excavation and fill projects carried out by local governments.
As part of the “Identifying Corruption Risk Areas” initiative, NACC Phuket Chief Suwat Saowarat, together with local officials, members of the Phuket STRONG Club, and representatives from the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Urban Development Department, conducted field inspections on August 18 and 19. The inspections focused on excavation and filling operations regulated by the Excavation and Filling Act 2000 (B.E. 2543). The law requires local authorities to authorise such operations to prevent risks to public safety, property, and the environment.
Operators must also take measures to avoid soil collapse and structural damage, the NACC Phuket report said. On August 18, the team inspected a cut-and-fill site in Karon, in the presence of officials from Karon Municipality. The following day, attention shifted to Srisoonthorn, where two sites were examined: a cut-and-fill site associated with the Kathu-Manik Road project, linking Kathu and Thalang, and another site near the northern boundary of the Bang Neo Dam Reservoir.
Officials noted that one of the plots in Srisoonthorn is close to the construction of a luxury villa on Soi Hock Mu, raising concerns about potential unauthorised land alteration. Srisoonthorn municipality officials later joined a further inspection of the excavation and fill operation on August 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 on the importance of strict licensing and supervision.
The project also supports Article 33 of the Organic Law on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption (B.E. 2561/2018), which emphasizes public participation in preventing corruption, as noted in the NACC Phuket report. During site visits, NACC officials observed operations, provided advice, and listened to the challenges local administrations face in enforcing regulations. NACC Phuket has instructed its staff to carry out their duties in strict accordance with the law and regulations.
The agency will continue to monitor the situation and take action within its purview. NACC initiatives like these aim to increase transparency and accountability in land use and construction, which is especially important in rapidly developing areas of Thailand, such as Phuket. Corruption in this area can have severe consequences, including environmental degradation, reduced safety of buildings and structures, and erosion of public trust in the government.
In addition to Phuket, NACC conducts similar inspections in other provinces of Thailand where there is a high level of corruption risks in the land sector. These measures aim to create a more favorable environment for business and investment, while also enhancing the quality of life for the population. An essential aspect of NACC’s work is interaction with the public, who can report cases of corruption and abuse.
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