The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Sakhon Nakhon inspected the Waeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization’s futsal court, built with a 2-million-baht budget and completed in 2018. The facility repeatedly broke down and was repaired many times but was eventually left abandoned for over four years. The SAO chief confirmed that all procedures were properly followed, though multiple factors contributed to the situation.
In the case reported by the Sakhon Nakhon News People page and the Watchdog Operations page, photos were posted of a damaged futsal court belonging to a local government organization. The post stated, “The 2-million-baht rubber futsal court at Ban Non Ruea, Village 7, Waeng SAO, Sawang Daen Din District, Sakhon Nakhon Province, was constructed at a cost of 2,083,400 baht and completed in 2018. It was usable for only two to three years before starting to deteriorate. Repairs were made continuously during that time, but damage recurred until it was finally left abandoned for over four years. Currently, the surface is cracked, and the rubber is peeling off in sheets, making it unusable.”
The post attracted many comments, most criticizing the project as a waste of public funds and expressing regret over the misuse of taxpayers’ money.
On 5 May 2026, Ms. Monchayanis Pongphetdit, Director of the NACC Office in Sakhon Nakhon Province, ordered officials led by Mr. Sanya Kaenchampa, a senior anti-corruption officer, to immediately visit the site and investigate the facts regarding this project with a budget exceeding 2 million baht.
Preliminary inspections found that the rubber futsal court began construction in 2018 but was only usable for a few years before the surface started to deteriorate and the rubber sheets peeled off. Although the contractor continuously repaired the court during the warranty period, problems persisted.
The main cause was the outdoor environment: the rubber sheets, being of an unsuitable type, were not resistant to sun and rain. Additionally, vehicles were parked on the court during funeral events since the site is near the crematorium. Recently, flooding also damaged the area. The NACC therefore recommended that Waeng SAO promptly hold community consultations to gather residents’ opinions and repurpose the area for maximum benefit instead of leaving it abandoned.
Meanwhile, Mr. Somdet Saenubon, the chief of Waeng SAO, explained and affirmed that the SAO had followed all procedures correctly. However, multiple factors contributed to the court’s condition despite ongoing repair efforts. He expressed willingness to consider the NACC’s suggestions to find ways to improve the area so it can be used effectively and benefit the community.