Bangkok governor faces allegations of corruption over THB40 million light show

Bangkok’s governor and eight other city officials have been implicated in alleged corruption over the THB40 million New Year’s light show at City Hall.

The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) said governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra and the eight other city officials misused City Hall’s central fund for the “Motif of Light” or light tunnel project.

Auditor-General Phisit Leelawachiropart told the media on Tuesday that the central fund was meant to be used for emergency or necessary projects only and the city council did not consent to the light project, which makes using the central fund for the project unlawful, reported Thai PBS.

Phisit also said the project was tainted by corruption both in how the budget was spent and the contractor selected.

He accused the contractor of having no experience in the field and said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration did not require an experienced track record for who they hired nor did they properly study a median price for the contract.

Also, the THB40 million price tag for the project was too high and the actual cost should have been about THB29 million, said Phisit.

The OAG will soon forward its investigative report on to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) so that criminal proceedings can go ahead against the officials.

If found guilty, they will face fines of up to THB400,000 and jail sentences of up to five years.

If the NACC finds the Bangkok governor guilty, he will have to step down, reported Bangkok Post.

Related:

Light of Happiness: Doubts emerge over Bangkok’s THB40 million light installation (PHOTOS)

Because we’re worth it: Bangkok officials defend THB40 million cost of City Hall lighting



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