NACC Narathiwat joined forces with Regional Audit Office 15 to inspect the 24-million baht Phupha Phakdi Road project after social media circulated images revealing construction defects. Several issues still require verification and contractor corrections. Meanwhile, residents reported hardened asphalt and cement debris clogging drainage channels, raising concerns about drainage during heavy rains. The NACC is preparing to send an inquiry letter after learning the project remains ongoing with no formal acceptance of work yet.
On 28 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Piyawat Kurapool, Director of the NACC Office in Narathiwat Province, along with officials, coordinated with Regional Audit Office 15 to inspect and monitor progress on the Phupha Phakdi Road construction in Bang Nak Subdistrict, Mueang Narathiwat District. This followed social media posts showing uneven road surfaces, potholes, and issues with manhole covers and drainage that could affect traffic safety and water flow in the area.
This project involves asphalt concrete overlay repair on Phupha Phakdi Road by Narathiwat Municipality, with a procurement budget of 24,090,000 baht. The contract was awarded through a selection process in fiscal year 2025, with the winner announced on 24 Mar 2025. Initial information from local agencies indicates multiple issues remain to be inspected and corrected.
Piyawat stated the site visit was prompted by reports of construction irregularities on Phupha Phakdi Road, with data sent to the NACC for investigation. Previous site visits had been conducted, and the latest inspection involved Regional Audit Office 15 to verify facts and advise Narathiwat Municipality on areas requiring further scrutiny.
Key areas for municipal inspection include whether foundation work complies with contract specifications and design drawings, the structural details and overall site tidiness, as well as traffic management and safety during construction. The inspection team emphasized that these aspects must be clearly verified before proceeding further.
Piyawat added that according to municipal representatives, the project has not yet undergone formal acceptance, with multiple items still requiring contractors to make corrections, improvements, or adjustments to meet contract standards. However, details and facts on each issue need further verification. The NACC plans to send formal inquiry letters to relevant agencies to clarify these matters.
Local resident Abdullah said the road previously had many potholes. Although repairs have been underway, some sections remain incomplete. While some parts are finished, other areas still have leftover materials and open holes that have not been properly closed.
Abdullah explained that while some openings have been sealed with cement, others remain uncovered, leaving the area untidy. This problem has persisted for about 4–5 months, forcing travelers to avoid potholes, causing inconvenience and potential hazards during travel.
Apisit, a shop owner on Phupha Phakdi Road in Bang Nak Subdistrict, expressed concerns about debris management during construction. He reported that asphalt scraps, cement water, and other construction waste were poured or flowed into drainage channels instead of being properly removed.
Apisit said some debris has hardened into large lumps resembling rocks or fossils, accumulating inside drainage channels. Tests with metal rods showed some hardened layers about 30 centimeters deep, with some cement layers estimated visually to be over one meter thick. This observation awaits official inspection and measurement by relevant authorities. He worries that during the rainy season, when water often overflows near drainage holes, accumulated hardened debris could obstruct flow and cause flooding into homes.
Apisit urged relevant agencies to inspect and remove cement debris from drainage channels to restore normal drainage function. He noted that if the debris has hardened into large lumps, regular sediment suction trucks previously used by the municipality might not be effective. Therefore, proper assessment and suitable solutions are needed.
Procurement data shows the asphalt concrete overlay repair project on Phupha Phakdi Road is owned by Narathiwat Municipality, procured through a selection method with evaluation based on price. Four contractors submitted bids.
One limited partnership company won the contract for the asphalt concrete overlay repair of Phupha Phakdi Road, Narathiwat Municipality, at 24,090,000 baht, which was 10,000 baht below the initial bid price. The winning bidder was announced on 24 Mar 2025.
The investigation remains in the fact-gathering phase. Follow-up issues include verifying construction accuracy against designs and contracts, causes of debris accumulation in drainage, impacts on drainage and public safety, and the contractor’s plan and timeline for correcting defects.
Current information does not conclude any corruption or wrongdoing. Investigations by relevant agencies are crucial to establish facts and ensure the project is executed according to contract, provides value for public funds, and does not impose risks or burdens on local residents.