The Social Security Office is going ahead with the installation of information technology facilities - even though the former SSO head who approved the 2.3-billion-baht project has been investigated by the national anti-graft agency and may face serious charges.

SSO secretary-general Pan Wannapinij yesterday promised to look into the legality of the project.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has found Mr Pan's predecessor, Pairoj Suksamrit, committed a serious disciplinary violation by implementing the project, which was suspended by the previous government.

But the project has been revived with a reduced investment of 2.3 billion baht, down from 2.8 billion baht.

The SIA Consortium, which won the contract to install the facilities, had lodged a complaint against the ministry's order to suspend the project.

An SSO source said going ahead with the project would not be against any law because the budget would come solely from the SSO.

An NACC source said Mr Pairoj had rushed to implement the project despite opposition by different parties. He was also accused of planning to conceal important information about the project, the source said.

Once the SSO received the NACC's finding implicating Mr Pairoj, a panel would be set up to consider disciplinary action against him, Mr Pan said.

Employees who are members of the social security scheme had never agreed to the project, said former SSO board member Chaiyasit Suksomboon.