Ex-minister faces graft charges over road bid-rigging

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has uncovered sufficient evidence to pursue charges against former deputy interior minister Krieng Kaltinan, his family, municipal officials, and business associates. The allegations center on the alleged division of 43.2 million baht in road construction contracts by Ubon Ratchathani Municipality to circumvent competitive bidding processes.

The investigation focuses on projects undertaken during the 2006 fiscal year. According to the NACC, Mr. Krieng, who was an MP for Ubon Ratchathani at the time, allegedly instructed municipal officials to survey, design, and estimate costs for road projects between December 2005 and January 2006. These projects were reportedly divided into contracts valued at less than 2 million baht each, enabling the municipality to use price quotations instead of open competitive bidding.

Despite objections from the municipal clerk and engineering director, who argued that some road sections constituted continuous works exceeding the legal threshold for competitive bidding, the municipality proceeded. While some contracts were later switched to electronic auctions, investigators found evidence of advance contractor selection. The NACC alleges that officials determined which companies would submit quotations and win contracts, with competing bids merely serving to create a facade of lawful competition.

Further financial records revealed transfers of funds from contractors to Mr. Krieng, his relatives, and other defendants after payments were made by the municipality. The NACC resolved to press charges against former Ubon Ratchathani mayor Rojana Kaltinan, former deputy mayor Pongsak Moolsarn, Mr. Krieng, Mr. Kan Kaltinan, Rattika Kaltinan, and several executives and associates for alleged violations of anti-corruption laws. Charges were dropped against some company representatives due to insufficient evidence. The case files will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.