MFP to lift the curtain: Bangkok gym gear scandal in the spotlight

The Move Forward Party (MFP) called for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to disclose the results of its investigations into alleged corruption within a procurement programme for gym equipment.

Suphanat Meenchainan, MFP MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si, announced the procurement irregularities came to public attention online in June. The BMA reportedly faced procurement issues at nine of its sports centres, resulting in damages amounting to 103.2 million baht.

Following these revelations, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt initiated a probe, instructing his officials to conclude the investigation within 30 days. However, Suphanat stated that no findings have been made public since the July 19 deadline passed.

Suphanat mentioned that the only update provided was on July 24, when Chadchart reportedly indicated that the probe’s findings were classified as confidential. No definitive statement has been made regarding whether the procurement process was indeed corrupted.

Suphanat recommended that the BMA employ the three-levelled lock theory to explain the alleged corruption. According to this theory, officials involved in the procurement would each have gym equipment specifications locked in, with the middle market cost set as high as possible. The contractor, in turn, would be constrained to use the minimum budget for each project due to the BMA’s lack of procurement standard requirements.

He noted that corruption in gym equipment procurement is common in the country, attributing this to the Comptroller General’s Department not setting a middle budget limit for such procurements.

Pattaraporn Kengrungreaungchai, Bangkok Council member for Bang Sue district, disclosed her effort to introduce a probe into the council’s agenda. However, a meeting to discuss the matter was cancelled before any discussion could take place.

“The alleged corruption stems from ‘twisted’ procurement measures.”

Pattaraporn pointed out that only a few contractors won procurement bids but they would withdraw from the race following a petition against unfair contracts filed by an opponent.

Pattaraporn demanded that the results of the probe be made public to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration.