Bangkok officials hit back at criticism over the enormous THB40 million bill of a light installation at City Hall over the New Year holiday, saying it was worth it.
Deputy governor Amorn Kitchawengkul said it was a New Year’s “gift” to the people of Bangkok and would help reinforce the capital’s reputation as a top tourist destination. Of course.
He added that the spending was in line with expenditure regulations, and that around 400,000 people would visit City Hall to watch the light show and spend money at the various exhibition booths, Thai PBS reported.
Or, let’s be honest, take endless selfies.
But the Office of the Auditor General, which is investigating the project, previously said the administration used emergency budget for the project, which was unneccessary as the installation had been planned months in advance.
It added that procurement of supplies was carried out before the bid winner was announced.
The deputy governor said just two companies took part in bidding because of the quick turnaround required by the project, and that the company had started doing the job before it signed the contract because it was trying to get the job done in time.
Related:
Light of Happiness: Doubts emerge over Bangkok’s THB40 million light installation (PHOTOS)
Reader Interactions