The meeting was convened to explain the audit results on the achievements and efficiency of the Phang Nga Coastal Tourism and Recreation Center project, known as The Park Khao Lak, located on state land at Bang Niang Beach in Takua Pa District.
Attending the meeting were State Auditor General Region 13 Ms Sulaiwan Pienphermphat, representatives from the Phang Nga Provincial Office, the Department of Public Works and Town Planning, and other related agencies.
Officials explained that the project was developed in two phases. Phase 1, with a budget of approximately B80 million, was completed in 2023, while Phase 2 carried a further B60 million budget.
According to officials, the project is currently undergoing the process of selecting a local administrative organisation to take over management and supervision of the site before it is formally opened for public and tourist use.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the audit report and discussed ways to improve the long-term operation of the project. Discussions focused on establishing clearer operational procedures, maximising the use of the land, and organising ongoing activities and events aimed at stimulating tourism and revitalising the area.
The meeting followed criticism posted online by the Phang Nga chapter of the Strong Anti-Corruption group, which questioned whether the project’s total construction budget of around B140 million represented value for money.
The group said it had received complaints from local residents calling for an investigation into the project, alleging that the site had been left abandoned and deteriorating despite the large investment.
In posts shared online, the group claimed that the first phase of the project, completed in 2023 at a cost of nearly B80mn, had never been properly used and had since fallen into disrepair, with weeds overgrowing the area and equipment such as water pumps and taps reportedly stolen.
The group also raised concerns over procurement procedures for Phase 2, noting that although four bidders reportedly participated in the selection process, only one submitted a final bid. The contract, with an estimated price of B60,004,400, was ultimately awarded for B60mn.
Project procurement records cited online identified SCG 1995 Co Ltd as the contractor for Phase 1, with a contract value of B79.98mn, while Si T. Construction Limited Partnership won the Phase 2 contract valued at B60mn.
The Park Khao Lak project has faced criticism since last year, when local watchdog groups and residents highlighted the deteriorating condition of the beachfront site.
Reports at the time described damaged and abandoned structures, overgrown vegetation, stolen equipment, broken utility systems and unused facilities throughout the area.
Khuk Khak Municipality previously expressed willingness to manage the project and revive the site as a public recreation area and tourism venue. However, officials said delays in transferring responsibility stemmed from legal procedures involving the return and reassignment of state land under the Treasury Department.
The acting head of the Phang Nga Provincial Public Works and Town Planning Office previously confirmed that Phase 1 had already been handed back to the Provincial Treasury Office, while Phase 2 was still in the process of formal handover.