Phayao’s 70-million-baht SAO building abandoned
A 70-million-baht government project in Phayao has been left incomplete and abandoned, sparking questions over its delayed construction.
The building, intended to house the State Audit Office (SAO), remains unfinished, with no clear explanation for its stalled progress. Located near the provincial immigration office, the once-promising site now sits as an eyesore, with only the third-floor framework partially finished, surrounded by overgrown grass.
The project, which began on August 18, 2021, was originally set to be completed by April 10, 2023. However, nearly two years after the contract’s expiration, the building remains a mere shell of its intended purpose.
The SAO director clarified that the building is not entirely abandoned, but rather, construction was halted after the contractor unexpectedly withdrew from the project.
According to the SAO, the contractor, based in Lampang, had completed only 30% of the work before abandoning the site.
This has left the structure incomplete, with the three-storey SAO building, a three-storey residential building, two guardhouses, and two bridges all left in a state of neglect.
Despite this, the SAO has already taken action against the contractor and is now in the process of hiring a new one to finish the project. The new plan is to complete the building by June 3, in line with the original budget allocation.
The issues surrounding this project are not unique to Phayao. In Roi Et, a similar situation arose with another SAO building, also abandoned by the contractor after significant delays.
The 58-million-baht project left locals frustrated and concerned, as the abandoned site stood idle for nearly a year.
The SAO’s response to the Phayao situation includes securing a new contractor to ensure that the building is finished as soon as possible.
Despite the setbacks, the completion of the SAO building is considered a priority, and officials are hopeful that the new contractor will adhere to the revised deadline, reported KhaoSod.
The ongoing issues with these projects raise serious concerns about oversight and accountability in government construction contracts. While plans are in place to finish the Phayao building, many are left wondering why such large-scale projects continue to face such delays and disruptions.
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