The House standing committee visited Narathiwat on Sunday to inspect a long-abandoned football stadium project worth more than 177 million baht and push for its completion ahead of the upcoming football season.
The committee, advised by Prachachart Party leader Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, met Narathiwat Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) president Kuseng Yawohasan and Nara United Football Club executive chairman Affan Haji Yuso before inspecting the Narathiwat PAO Football Stadium project in the provincial government complex in tambon Khok Khian, Muang district.
The facility has remained unfinished and abandoned for years.
The project originated in 2010 under the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)'s "One Province, One Sports Stadium" initiative. Between 2012 and 2015, responsibility for the second phase was transferred to the Department of Highways.
However, the contractor later abandoned the project, leading to lengthy legal disputes and construction delays. The SAT subsequently terminated its memorandum of understanding with the Department of Highways on Aug 22, 2024.
Pol Col Tawee said the success of football clubs from Narathiwat and Pattani in gaining promotion this year presented an opportunity for the southern border provinces, but the lack of a standard football facility remained a significant obstacle.
"Many people believe the PAO was responsible for the entire project, but in reality it completed only the running track, pitch and one grandstand," he said.
Pol Col Tawee said several ministers had previously pledged to address the issue, but legal complications and disputes had prevented progress.
He said he and Narathiwat MP Kamolsak Leewamoh would bring the matter before the parliamentary committee to summon all relevant agencies and develop a joint action plan.
"Our goal is clear. By September, when the new season begins, this stadium must be ready for use. The remaining work requires only a relatively modest additional budget," he said.
Pol Col Tawee also called on the Tourism and Sports Ministry to make the project a priority agenda item.
"Football creates economic opportunities, boosts tourism and unites people across religious and political lines," he said.
