Khamphan Phommathat chairs a national inspection meeting. - Photo-KPL News Agency
VIENTIANE: A top state inspector has called for tougher action against corruption after investigations revealed financial losses of over 662 billion kip in 2024.
Authorities attending the 2024 National Inspection meeting on Feb 3 reported that 208 individuals were implicated in corruption cases, with 40 people prosecuted, 39 detained, and 168 administratively disciplined, including two foreigners.
Losses due to corruption were estimated at 115 billion kip, 3.2 million baht, US$25.68 million, and 7.8 million yuan, of which 63.62 billion kip, 200,000 baht, US$4,700, and 5.19 million yuan have been recovered, according to a report in the Pasaxon newspaper.
Two additional corruption cases are under investigation, involving 382.6 million kip, 1.6 million baht, and US$7.2 million, all of which has been recovered.
President of the State Inspection Authority, Khamphan Phommathat, stressed the need for stricter oversight of land, minerals, timber, state funds, and natural resources, urging authorities to strengthen law enforcement and take swift action against violators.
He called on Party committees at all levels to ensure accountability in state administration, focusing on financial transparency and compliance with national laws.
Authorities also conducted widespread inspections of 43 state-funded projects valued at more than 10 trillion kip.
These included infrastructure projects, compensation payments, and financial audits of major government-funded initiatives.
Among them, the compensation process for families affected by the construction of the Laos-China railway remains incomplete, with 6,504 families compensated a total of 1,599.63 billion kip, while 371 families are still awaiting payment.
Investigations also covered state enterprises, special economic zones, the import of duty-free fuel for projects and embassies, tax compliance on imported vehicles, and mining companies.
The inspection team reviewed 17 mining companies as part of a pilot programme to improve oversight of the sector.
The team also reviewed 1,296 public complaints, with the most common concerns relating to mismanagement in state agencies, misconduct by officials, and dissatisfaction with administrative decisions.
Of these, 229 cases were forwarded to the relevant authorities, 341 were reviewed, and 82 are under follow-up.
Authorities pledged to intensify anti-corruption efforts, close loopholes in legislation, and improve financial oversight to prevent further losses. - Vientiane Times/ANN
