Democrats 'not involve' in projects

Speaking at a parliamentary session, Korbsak said the project was not related to the ruling Democrat Party in any way.

"This project is under my supervision and I am now investigating what seem to be problematic proposals," he said.

The Sufficiency Community Project has become the target for allegations of scandal, Opposition MP Anudit Nakornthap claiming yesterday it appeared to be mired in corruption.

"The government should suspend the project until culprits are brought to justice," he said.

He said his Pheu Thai Party would dig deep into the project, which looked set to cause billions in damage to the government.

Office of Sufficiency Community Project director Sumit Champrasit, however, insisted his office had carefully reviewed all proposals under the project before handing out budget funds.

"The opposition parties are out there to crosscheck these proposals," he added, "They say there are irregularities at six communities".

According to Sumit, about 80,000 communities are qualified to seek a budget from the Sufficiency Community Project. However, just 66,000 have submitted proposals for funding, of which only 31,000 have passed basic criteria.

Sumit said the Office of Sufficiency Community Project had approved budget for 21,000 communities so far. Remaining proposals will be checked further before any budget approval is granted.

Sumit thanked the media for investigating the Sufficiency Community Project. "I believe from now on, all communities in the project will proceed very transparently," he said.

Sumit did not believe officials under his office would collude with others in siphoning the project's money.

Echoing Korbsak, Sumit said he was ready to take action against any official involved in wrongdoing.