Bangkok: The State Audit Office is preparing to inspect the Rama II Road project, employing international safety management guidelines for large construction projects. This inspection will be completed within 30 days, and the findings will be reported to relevant authorities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suttipong Boonnithi, Deputy Auditor-General and spokesman for the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG), emphasized the critical need for stringent safety standards following the tragic accident on Rama II Road on March 15 that resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. The OAG, tasked with overseeing government fund expenditures, acknowledges the urgency of addressing these issues. They plan to inspect the Rama II Road project and present their findings to the Minister of Transport, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and the Procurement Policy Committee to prevent future incidents. Since 2022, there have been 10 significant accidents associated with the Rama II Road project, with the most severe risk being the potential collapse of bridge structures. The upcoming inspection will evaluate safety standards, risk management, and the reasons behind project delays, and a comprehensive report will be submitted after the 30-day inspection period.
For this inspection, the OAG has reviewed safety inspection guidelines from international auditing bodies, including South Korea’s State Audit Office (BAI), the Netherlands State Audit Office (NCA), the United States State Audit Office (GAO), and the Australian State Audit Office (ANAO). These guidelines will be adapted to enhance the safety oversight of large-scale construction projects in Thailand.
The South Korean State Audit Office’s Risk Analysis Model is one such tool, used to calculate and rank project risks based on factors like complexity and compliance with safety standards. The Thai State Audit Office has developed a similar system called MIRA (Mega Project Integrity Risk Assessment) to aid in the inspection of large projects. Additionally, the U.S. State Audit Office’s Past Performance Review approach helps assess contractor qualifications by examining past work history and adherence to safety standards. The Netherlands State Audit Office employs 3D Modeling and Simulation technology to evaluate structural stability and identify potential risk points. The Australian State Audit Office advocates for transparency by recommending regular safety progress reports for public access.
Mr. Suttipong emphasized the importance of integrating international guidelines and modern technology in inspections to improve safety standards and prevent future accidents and losses in large construction projects.
