Bangkok exercise equipment probe clears officials of corruption
An investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of exercise equipment for seven recreation and sports centres in Bangkok has concluded with no evidence of misconduct.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday, January 27, that the inquiry, initiated in June last year, found no grounds for graft allegations involving 29 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials in the 77.22 million baht project.
The initiative aimed to furnish centres such as the On Nut Sports Centre, the 72nd Anniversary Stadium, and others with exercise equipment for public use. The controversy arose when the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand claimed the procurement favoured certain bidders. For instance, eligibility required companies to have secured at least 40 contracts of similar value, narrowing participation to two companies.
These companies were awarded contracts at inflated prices, with items like treadmills priced at 759,000 baht—significantly higher than the typical market rate of 100,000 to 300,000 baht. Governor Chadchart previously attributed the issue to shortcomings in state procurement laws. However, his latest decree, issued on January 14, confirmed that the investigation found no breaches of procurement regulations by the officials involved, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, three mayors in Phuket—Aroon Solos of Rawai, Panya Samphaorat of Pa Khlok, and Juta Dumlak from Kamala Subdistrict Administrative Organisation—are embroiled in legal battles over corruption charges. Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri confirmed these proceedings, emphasising a broader push against corruption in the province.
Panya Samphaorat faces charges from the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for neglecting duties concerning public land. This case was accepted by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in March 2022.
In other news, a shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some.
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