26-02-2025, 03:35 PM
Tapi River Inquiry: Bunnag Gov't Knew of Structural Deficiencies
Udon Nakhon Post
March 5620 (backdated)
The continued investigation into the Tapi River rail bridge collapse yielded concerning new findings this week, with inquiry spokesman Paramat Chamroon announcing to press in Kaeyaphum that statements from local officials indicate the Bunnag administration knew of and ignored structural deficiencies in the rail bridge prior to the tragedy.
Though Mr. Chamroon stated that sources would not yet be named, the second inquiry has evidence that Isaree Thaugsuban (Revolutionary Alliance Minister of Transport during the Bunnag government) and Niran Yao-Yun (RA, Governor of the State Railway of South Dovani) each received at least three credible complaints from local and municipal officials regarding the state of the crossing in the year leading up to the 5618 derailment. According to these sources, both the State Railway and Ministry of Transport promised an influx of funds necessary for repairs but the funds never materialized. Several sources stated that this state of affairs was "common in Nakhom Phaphu", a claim sure to cause concern among the millions of South Dovanians and Ntotoans who rely on the State Railway system for daily travel.
In response to the statement, current Minister of Transport Osathee Honghannarong (New Elephant Worker's Party) noted that the new government has quickly moved to address a "systemic deficiency" inherited from the previous administration in the distribution of funds to needy projects. "Under the Bunnag administration, our provinces and cities had to pay to play - the government doled out money only to those who were its stalwart friends. Those times have ended. We are here to help." Local officials stated that funds are indeed more easily accessed since the new government took power.
A spokesman for former PM Duangnet Bunnag (who remains a member of the National Assembly and leader of the RA) stated that the inquiry's findings were politically motivated, emphasized that no charges had been leveled against any members of the Bunnag administration, and denied any "pay-to-play" favoritism.
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