The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) inspected sand pits along Thepha Canal in Songkhla Province after villagers complained about riverbank collapse and altered water flow, uncovering leads of bribery to state officials. Thepha Canal, Songkhla, riverbank erosion, bribery
Responding to concerns and hardships voiced by residents in Thepha District, Songkhla Province, about illegal sand mining in Thepha Canal severely damaging the environment and community life, the NACC Region 9 launched a comprehensive field investigation to uncover facts and protect national interests. community complaints, illegal sand mining, environment impact, investigation
Using an integrated approach, NACC Region 9 conducted a field operation in April 2026 to inspect more than 10 sand pits in Thepha Canal, Songkhla Province. operation, NACC Region 9, sand pit inspection, Thepha Canal
This operation emphasized strict procedures without prior notice in the area to prevent leaks, demonstrating efforts to maintain mission confidentiality, protect sources, and obtain accurate facts on site. covert operation, confidentiality, inspection security
By deploying forces to simultaneously inspect at least four sand pits, no owners were found present, but clear evidence of sand extraction was visible. Sand was removed from three river points, causing water flow to shift and severe riverbank erosion, some close to villagers’ rubber plantations. evidence, sand extraction, riverbank erosion, water flow change
Moreover, three backhoe machines were hidden in officially closed areas. The sand remained wet, indicating recent extraction, and multiple CCTV cameras were installed, reflecting attempts to avoid inspections and suggesting operators may have been forewarned. hidden machinery, CCTV, obstruction of inspection
A key finding was from a licensed sand operator who informed officials that regular "tea money" payments were made to certain state officials to evade inspections. bribery, corruption, licensed operator
Several sand pits operated without licenses or with expired permits. Others, despite valid licenses, violated conditions by extracting sand outside allowed times or areas, resulting in riverbank collapse and altered water courses. illegal operation, permit violations, environmental damage
Changes in water channels require thorough historical data review to determine if they occurred before or after permits were issued and whether they violate laws. Also, claims of natural resource rights, such as sand flowing onto private land, must be assessed for lawful use. water channel change, legal compliance, resource rights
Meanwhile, the Office of the Auditor General is reviewing data on royalty fees and security deposits from sand pits, as local agencies have not provided complete information, despite some operators claiming compliance. financial audit, royalty fees, incomplete data
Currently, NACC Region 9 is collecting all evidence to investigate bribery involving state officials and examine whether agencies neglected their duties or failed to enforce laws, before proceeding with legal actions to ensure justice. investigation, bribery, neglect of duty
The NACC affirmed its commitment to seriously combat corruption and prosecute any state official involved in bribery regardless of rank. The public is encouraged to report any corruption information through the NACC hotline 1205, available 24/7. anti-corruption commitment, public reporting, NACC hotline
