Mega-projects: Government Urged To Disclose Bidding Details

[Jai Dee]

GOVT URGED TO DISCLOSE DETAILS ABOUT THE BIDDING PROCESS OF MEGA PROJECTS FOR TRANSPARENCY

Democrat Party leader ABHISIT VEJJAJIVA (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) referred to the situation where the government has allowed foreign investors to invest in the mega-projects and spoke about the broadcast of the bidding process.

He commented that he would like the general public to monitor the projects as problems relating to barter trade and investment had emerged in the past. He added that the government should also monitor the offers from foreign investors, the budgets and the privileges once these projects are completed.

Mr. ABHISIT said that the government should reveal the details of all procedures and the agreements with foreign firms who would like to invest in the mega-projects.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2006

[awarrumbungle]

Mega-projects = Scary. I can't help but think of the 3 Gorges Dam in China.

[Jai Dee]

BKK Governor Clarified Project Bidding Issues to House Committee Today

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) went to clarify issues regarding the bidding collusion in BMA’s 16 projects to the House Committee on anti-corruption.

The committee, headed by Tewan Liptapanlop(เทวัญ ลิปตพัลลภ), will continue to deliberate the irregularities in the BMA’s bidding projects after inviting Public Work officials to explain the issues. Today, Mr. Apirak, along with BMA Deputy Governor Samart Rajapolsit (สามารถ ราชพลสิทธิ์), and BMA Deputy Permanent-Secretary Nattanon Taweesin (ณฐนนท ทวีสิน), are called for clarification. Mr. Apirak was the first to arrive, saying before meeting with the committee that he had prepared documents that the committee wanted, adding that the people invited today should be prepared to answers all questions posed by the committee.

Mr. Apirak added that he will host a press conference on the fire truck deal officially at the City Hall this afternoon.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

Transport Minister reiterates to mega-project officials not to take any present from investors

Transport Minister PONGSAK RAKTAPONGPAISAL (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) has reiterated to the officials who are involved in the government's mega-projects not to take any present or gift from investors so that they would not get wrongfully accused for their works.

Following the discussion with the units who are working on the transport development mega-project, Mr. PONGSAK has reinstructed the officials to carefully implement their works, to avoid scandals. He added that if they have to work abroad, then they have to be responsible for all expenses.

He has urged the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP) to issue the investment plan before February 15th. The OTTPP has also been urged to invite various specialists to help consider this plan. The Transport Minister would like the office and specialists to filter investors before they will be allowed to discuss further details and visit the project's site on March 1st.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 Febuary 2006

[Jai Dee]

DPM Chitchai refused to get involved with the corruption in 16 BKK projects

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister CHITCHAI WANNASATHIT (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) has asserted that he did not get involved with the price collusion of the 16 Bangkok projects, as the news reported earlier.

Following Auditor-General JARUWAN MAINTAKA's (จารุวรรณ เมณฑกา) comment that some politicians may have been involved with corruption, the Justice Minister has denied the allegation, and said that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, he said the officials are now investigating the explosion at Software Park building, which is in the Ministry of Justice's premises.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006