Police Colonel Tawee inspects the abandoned Narathiwat provincial sports stadium valued at 177 million baht, pushing the issue to the parliamentary committee to seek resolution and urging the Tourism and Sports Minister to expedite problem-solving, acknowledging Nara United's rise to Thai League 2.
31 May 2026 GMT+7 Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, a party-list Member of Parliament and leader of the Prachachart Party, serves as an advisor to the House of Representatives' Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights. He led a delegation to Narathiwat Province, beginning the mission with breakfast at A-Koo restaurant in Mueang District, joined by Mr. Kusen Yao Hassan, Narathiwat Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) chief, and Mr. Affan Hayyuso, chairman of Nara United Football Club. The discussion was relaxed and friendly. Police Colonel Tawee enjoyed local specialties such as Khao Yam, Nasida Khae, Kruepo, and Thai tea, and congratulated Nara United for their recent home victory over Satun FC 5-1, securing promotion to Thai League 2.
After discussing provincial development plans, Police Colonel Tawee and the team inspected the Narathiwat PAO football stadium construction project located at the Government Center, Khok Kian Subdistrict, Mueang District, Narathiwat. The stadium has been abandoned for a long time with a project value exceeding 177 million baht. Records show the project began in 2010 under the Sports Authority of Thailand's "One Province, One Sports Stadium" initiative. Between 2012 and 2015, the Department of Highways under the Ministry of Transport was assigned to handle phase two, but the contractor abandoned the work, causing prolonged project delays and legal disputes among agencies. The Sports Authority of Thailand terminated the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Highways on 22 August 2024.
Police Colonel Tawee revealed that this year is a golden opportunity for residents in the three southern border provinces as football teams from Pattani and Narathiwat have performed excellently and earned promotion. However, a severe shortage of standard football stadiums remains. "This stadium began with the vision of former Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa and was continued by PAO chief Kusen, involving a massive budget. The public generally believes the PAO is fully responsible, but in reality, the PAO only handles the running track, field, and one side of the stands, which are completed. The remaining stands are under construction by the Lampang Road Construction Center of the Department of Highways, causing ongoing complications. It's a lost opportunity for the people."
Despite promises by several ministers over time to resolve the issue, legal obstacles and lawsuits have persisted. To expedite a resolution, he and Narathiwat MP Monsak Leewamoa of the Prachachart Party will bring the matter before the parliamentary committee to convene all relevant agencies for joint planning. "We have a clear goal to ensure that by September, when the new season opens, this stadium must be ready. We will decide how to complete the remaining construction, which will not require much additional budget."
Regarding the upcoming visit of the Tourism and Sports Minister on 12 June, Police Colonel Tawee conveyed recommendations through Narathiwat MP Watchara Yao Hassan, who is from the same party as the minister, urging that this issue be treated as an urgent priority. "Today, we prioritize needs and opportunities because this is the South's chance. Football improves the economy and tourism, and most importantly, Buddhists, Muslims, and people of all faiths support the same team. Regardless of political differences, they all love the same team."
"On 12 June, when the Tourism and Sports Minister visits, I urge that some developments may not capture public attention as much as this matter does. Yesterday, tens of thousands watched, but nearly 5,000 more could not enter because our stadium isn’t ready. We are missing that opportunity. Completing this stadium, which requires only a little more work, would greatly win public support. The budget is already available; what is needed is to remove the existing obstacles."
