The Office of the Auditor General of Thailand is investigating Bangkok’s THB40 million “Light of Happiness” light installation after it was widely criticized by the public.
The three-dimensional light exhibition in front of City Hall, which consists of five million light bulbs, will shine bright in Bangkok from Dec. 30 to Jan. 31 as the government’s New Year gift to citizens and tourists.
But Auditor-General Phisit Leelavachiropas said the City Administration used emergency budget for the project, which was unnecessary as the installation had been planned months in advance.
Phisit also pointed out that the procurement of supplies for the project was done even before the City Administration announced the winner of the bidding for the project, reported Thai PBS.
Surprising.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra posted photos of the light installation on his Facebook as the public questioned if the pretty lights were really worth the money.
“Excuse me. Could you spare some budget and fix some surveillance cameras? Citizens are in trouble. When there’s a crime, you can never catch the criminal,” the top comment said.
“Please show us the receipt from the contractor,” another comment said.
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