Following the controversy over his THB40 million New Year light project, Bangkok’s Governor is faced with more criticism after the budget plan for his THB16.5 million office renovation was published by local media.
The document, titled “Bangkok Governor’s office renovation project,” was dated April 1 but it was no April Fool’s Day prank.
It’s drawn criticism from citizens and the Auditor-General’s Office. Published on the website of Public Works department, the document revealed that the estimated budget for the governor’s office renovation was THB16.5.
The THB16.5 million budget was divided into three parts: the actual renovation work (THB13,275,826), the items procured for the project (THB2,207,955), and other expenses according to the project’s conditions (THB1,030,158).
The part that drew the most criticism was the luxurious list of items that most citizen will never be able to afford. These included a dining table (THB130,500), 2 dining chairs with arm rests (THB122,400), 8 dining chairs (THB436,000). The dining set alone totaled THB688,900 — the cost of a brand-new Japanese car.
Other notable items included a 75-inch television (THB329,900) and a blu-ray player (THB3,990). Of course, all city officials need a blu-ray player for, um, official work.
Chaiwat Anuntasan, director of the Auditor-General Office’s Procurement and Investigative Audit Office 3, began his investigation on Monday by inspecting the governor’s new office.
He was surprised to learn that the renovation was complete and suspects that it was done before the the bidding was called.
Chaiwat said the office would determine if the project was done according to civil service procedures and whether the THB16.5 million was spent appropriately, with a decision expected at the end of the month, according to The Nation.
Related:
Bangkok governor faces allegations of corruption over THB40 million light show
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