Price of Thai Cabinet audio slashed after public outcry

[wandasloan]

This does not bode well for the junta's mega infrastructure projects. Will the procurement dept charge an extra 300% on these projects too?

Prayuth's tardy response to the thieves at govt house that are still trying to spin the microphone purchase is unacceptable. It was vital that he showed graft would not be tolerated, and chose not too.

Was he tardy? I missed that, what did he finally do when he acted?

I believe the importer is a Thai company. They jack up the price 50% to fund the brown envelopes. Now that it got out to the public, they are reluctantly lowering their graft, I mean profit margin. Now the problem of the overpriced obsolete plasma TV's, it seems they are buying these obsolete TV's for about 300,000 and any large electronic shop sells them for around 75000. Graft in this country is endemic down to the smallest thing. It will not change in our lifetime.

That's pretty harsh. You're saying effect that the whole stated reason for the military takeover was a lie.

I don't think people expect corruption to end. But if General Sarit and his cronies can't even make a showpiece kangaroo court here and there, they will be tossed out pretty quickly. Of course it was not a one-issue coup, but the one big expectation out of this whole jackbooted thug thing is some action against pooyai corruption. Absent that, this junta is an empty uniform, and once the honeymoon is over, it's just a countdown to the next street confrontation, Black May and back to 2011. Or earlier.

If you think about it as I mentioned in one of my previous posts there is a link with a doctor that gave a very public anti Y/L anti PTP anti corruption speech given on Sutheps protest stage and his wife linked with the suppler if the audio equipment, could this contract have bypassed the purchasing protocols and given to the good DR's wife for service's rendered? Just a little to convenient no?

I wouldn't get too deeply into conspiracy theories. A new broom has swept out the old cronies and the new cronies are in. The prime minister has dragged in his brother, his friends, his schoolmates. Of course yellow shirts will get contracts that red shirts used to get. It's not a conspiracy, just the way it works. And if the doctor's wife had simply followed the proper procedures, no one would mind or say anything. But of course red shirts hold no patent on corruption, in fact they are latecomers and have stolen the patents from the yellow shirts. So the "new broom" is just like the old broom.

It's no conspiracy at all. Question is whether the armed man in jackboots intends to Do Something about the status quo.

.

Edited September 11, 2014 by wandasloan

[aussieinthailand]

I am really confused: Bosch Thailand, the importer, had quoted their cost at Bt145,000 to Bt94,250 each. The cost stated as 53,000,000 for 89 microphones comes to. 595,505 Baht.

Am I missing something????

Yu'p your Thai math skills, in the OP the mic's come with an led, screen at a cost of 300,000 each, so now if you add the led screens at 300.000 each and the mic's at the newly revised price at 94,250 each X by 89 sets you 35,088,250. ok so were is the rest of the money???

[fab4]

This could never have happened under a PTP government.

I love a good dose of sarcasm in the morning!

You've got me wrong, I was deadly serious, though intentionally ambiguous. There's no way PTP would cave in and hand back their graft; they would have stonewalled for months. If things got to hot, "da boyz" would have been let loose, handing out phone numbers, burning a coffin or two, splashing a bit of blood around, an occasional petrol bomb or grenade into someone's house.

Meanwhile those concerned would pass the buck, obfuscate, tell lies, and as a last resort we'd have a cabinet re-shuffle.

Ah yes, deflect criticism of the issue as a good little junta punter does. This is nothing to do with the PTP. This is about a military government who has declared corruption a major problem that they would eradicate. As such their standards have to be set at 100% - not, well we tried to get away with it, but the media made a fuss so we stopped it so therefore we're better than the last legitimately elected government , the "argument" that you are putting forward. That doesn't wash. Do it properly or don't do it at all.

and before you try and legitimise this debacle by saying that the procurement of the audio system has nothing to do with the Junta, as the Office Minister to PM Prayuth, Panadda, has tried to do, consider this:

Questioned about the communication system's cost, Panadda, who has campaigned for anti-corruption and transparency in government procurements, said he was not responsible for the project, which came under the director general of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning.

This explanation raised further questions. Rooms in the Government House compound are supposed to be under the supervision of the Prime Minister's Office minister. Panadda holds that role in tandem with the post of Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office. Although the renovation of Government House was outsourced to another agency, the work was supposed to be done under the supervision of the PM's Office.

Why then did the minister and permanent secretary in charge of this office say he knew nothing about it?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/758755-thai-cabinet-audio-system-questions-that-need-answers/

[wandasloan]

Transparency has to be 'before the fact' not 'after the fact'. All government bids should be published in the major Thai newspapers with the bids open to inspection by the public. When the bid is finally awarded, the award should be noted to the public as well -- along with the reason why the bid was accepted. Transparency is not a complicated process.

It is simply impossible to do that. There is not enough room in any three newspapers to do that. But there's lots of information online. These croo.... people at the Department of Public Works actually have quite an informative website including massive information on this microphone scam. It's not lack of information that's at the root of the problem but oversight and accountability. The assigned people are in on it, and the public is too la... doesn't have the time.

If you want to start making them accountable, here's your starting point:

http://goo.gl/TqA4se

The one live link at the bottom goes to the multi-page documents on this particular microphone case. The tabs reveal thousands of other procurements big and small.

[sae57]

The encouraging thing here is that public outcry has actually had some effect.

[pookiki]

Transparency has to be 'before the fact' not 'after the fact'. All government bids should be published in the major Thai newspapers with the bids open to inspection by the public. When the bid is finally awarded, the award should be noted to the public as well -- along with the reason why the bid was accepted. Transparency is not a complicated process.

It is simply impossible to do that. There is not enough room in any three newspapers to do that. But there's lots of information online. These croo.... people at the Department of Public Works actually have quite an informative website including massive information on this microphone scam. It's not lack of information that's at the root of the problem but oversight and accountability. The assigned people are in on it, and the public is too la... doesn't have the time.

If you want to start making them accountable, here's your starting point:

http://goo.gl/TqA4se

The one live link at the bottom goes to the multi-page documents on this particular microphone case. The tabs reveal thousands of other procurements big and small.

Valuable information for sure. Someone in the media should be monitoring this website. Thanks for your knowledgeable insights.

[Liverpool Lew]

Power corrupts ... and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

In the history of mankind, there has never been a military dictatorship that has done any long-term good for anyone but the junta members themselves. Not one.

[Thakkar]

Dateline Bangkok, Thursday Sept 12, 2014

The Thai government announced today that it has joined Amazon Prime. "Since Amazon is 'The Biggest Store in the World' and sells everything under the sun, the government of Thailand will conduct all future procurement from Amazon," said the spokesperson.

"Corruption will no longer be a problem as all prices on Amazon are available for all to verify."

"We are very excited about next day delivery of our high speed rail system," she added.

T

[thesetat2013]

This could never have happened under a PTP government.

If you mean getting caught so fast then you are right

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[jayboy]

It's a pity.

The rules for the award of public contracts must be reformed urgently.

The loss of confidence is high now.

Yep, so much to do and so little time.

Interesting to read the company responsible for this attempted scam is closely linked to the PDRC leadership.The hypocrisy makes one retch.

[pisico]

How very, very disappointing. The first real test seems to be inconsistent with peoples expectations.

"Monthon said after price negotiations, the whole system would now cost Bt53 million." - was there no effective price negotiations originally?

The only small saving grace is the fact that supposedly corrective action has now been taken, albeit this was after the public outcry. Shame.

Hopefully further investigations will be taken and any person unlawfully profiting from this will be firmly punished.

First of all, why there was no bidding to choose the best value and accordingly, award the contract?

Whoever thinks that stars on epaulets of a man makes him lily white needs to wake up.

A Thai is a Thai is a Thai. Hundreds of years of teaching in school, home and real life and tradition mold the psyche and behaviour of Thais.

What we deem to be corruption is simply Thai way. That is how it has always been: it's tradition. Patronage, nepotism, favoritism and the ever present "brown envelopes" are all ingrained in the Thai mentality of those in government and industry.

Probity cannot be created by decree.

[jaidam]

It's a pity.

The rules for the award of public contracts must be reformed urgently.

The loss of confidence is high now.

Yep, so much to do and so little time.

Interesting to read the company responsible for this attempted scam is closely linked to the PDRC leadership.The hypocrisy makes one retch.

The double standards some posters are using makes one want to retch. Why, after hundreds of hagiographic idolizing posts praising the Thaksin clan's corrupt carryings on during their decade long looting spree, would a poster suddenly find themselves outraged by corruption from an entity other than the beloved cult clan? A stance that embraces all corruption would be more honest than only embracing and cheering corruption done by the Shinwatra family, and criticizing others found to be corrupt.

[chuang]

Pot calling kettle black...

[KhnomKhnom]

Red China sells these mics for about 5 USD.

[jayboy]

It's a pity.

The rules for the award of public contracts must be reformed urgently.

The loss of confidence is high now.

Yep, so much to do and so little time.

Interesting to read the company responsible for this attempted scam is closely linked to the PDRC leadership.The hypocrisy makes one retch.

The double standards some posters are using makes one want to retch. Why, after hundreds of hagiographic idolizing posts praising the Thaksin clan's corrupt carryings on during their decade long looting spree, would a poster suddenly find themselves outraged by corruption from an entity other than the beloved cult clan? A stance that embraces all corruption would be more honest than only embracing and cheering corruption done by the Shinwatra family, and criticizing others found to be corrupt.

Muddled and confused post from you.Firstly I'm not aware there has been any endorsement of the Thaksin regime's corruption from any side (actually it was more about unfairly changing the rules as much as outright corruption).The disgusting hypocrisy in this particular case is that the PDRC was preaching that its campaign was primarily inspired by a hatred of corruption (though laughably it was led by one of the most corrupt politicians of all).For the myopic Sino Thai middle class (the useful idiots in Lenin's time honoured phrase) there may well have been decent elements who actually believed this.However for the puppet masters who actually orchestrated and financed the mob, "corruption" is actually code for its hatred of popularly elected politicians.The reality as this nasty little scam shows is that there is actually no intention of cleansing the stables (except of course when their political enemies are involved).Of course most want an end to corruption on all sides.A good start by the Junta would be to reform the army, a traditional hotbed of corruption and to terminate all its business interests.

[Fat Haggis]

May I just point out to the "It's just like North Korea now" crowd that noone has been arrested or sent to a gulag for (rightly) criticizing this particular issue?

Maybe the Junta would have found it difficult to arrest hundreds maybe thousands who "questioned" the purchase.. Thailand same same but different.

Corruption is part of the culture, it's here to stay, there will always be someone at the take.

[wandasloan]

The encouraging thing here is that public outcry has actually had some effect.

Where "effect" is several days of newspaper headlines.

It has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again since "getting rid of corruption" isn't going to happen anywhere in the world. The point is what happens AFTER the newspapers get tired of this story.

Almost no one is noticing that the OAG is in the process of indicting 11 of these Government House people for the clocks purchase. None of the 11 is a pooyai of course, but small victories deserve some notice and frankly some praise. The only way the prosecutors are ever going to dare to go after the Big Shots is if they get some public support for it.

Corruption is part of the culture, it's here to stay, there will always be someone at the take.

Unlike where?

Seriously. An example.

.

.

Edited September 11, 2014 by wandasloan

[tomacht8]

Transparency has to be 'before the fact' not 'after the fact'. All government bids should be published in the major Thai newspapers with the bids open to inspection by the public. When the bid is finally awarded, the award should be noted to the public as well -- along with the reason why the bid was accepted. Transparency is not a complicated process.

It is simply impossible to do that. There is not enough room in any three newspapers to do that. But there's lots of information online. These croo.... people at the Department of Public Works actually have quite an informative website including massive information on this microphone scam. It's not lack of information that's at the root of the problem but oversight and accountability. The assigned people are in on it, and the public is too la... doesn't have the time.

If you want to start making them accountable, here's your starting point:

http://goo.gl/TqA4se

The one live link at the bottom goes to the multi-page documents on this particular microphone case. The tabs reveal thousands of other procurements big and small.

.....Transparency has to be 'before the fact' not 'after the fact'.

.... oversight and accountability.

And you need honest officials in the control functions.

Where are these people?

Why the honest officials do not come in key leadership positions?

As long as the corrupt officials are allowed to keep their stolen money and they have not to fear strong penalties,

then the honest officials are the stupid fools.

Or really all corrupt here?

Hope not.

[aussieinthailand]

It's a pity.

The rules for the award of public contracts must be reformed urgently.

The loss of confidence is high now.

Yep, so much to do and so little time.

Interesting to read the company responsible for this attempted scam is closely linked to the PDRC leadership.The hypocrisy makes one retch.

The double standards some posters are using makes one want to retch. Why, after hundreds of hagiographic idolizing posts praising the Thaksin clan's corrupt carryings on during their decade long looting spree, would a poster suddenly find themselves outraged by corruption from an entity other than the beloved cult clan? A stance that embraces all corruption would be more honest than only embracing and cheering corruption done by the Shinwatra family, and criticizing others found to be corrupt.

Hmmm, I've not read any post " praising corrupt carryings on by the Thaksin clan," I have read posts claiming judicial and political motives and coup's.

And some here do think them (Shin clan) saints, I don't, but I do prefer them to the Dem's Suthep and the current powers, but if a truly clean political party can come up then they would have my support.

[ChrisY1]

Oh blast!!.....There goes someone's S500.......Anyway..I'm sure they'll keep trying!

[fab4]

The encouraging thing here is that public outcry has actually had some effect.

Partially, even the incompetent media here has more effect than a facebook page or blog or two. Panadda boasted to the media during a tour of the conference room about the "state of the art" audio facilities that had been installed in the conference room, and they asked the pertinent questions. His reply?

"Who would ever dare cheat [this government]? They must be afraid of the prime minister and the National Council for Peace and Order chief,"

( said reply being both arrogant and a sad reflection on the abuse of power at the same time)

Expect Panadda to be more closely guarded on what he says in future. Maybe he'll be one of the first "incompetent" officials to be dismissed?

[iReason]

This does not bode well for the junta's mega infrastructure projects. Will the procurement dept charge an extra 300% on these projects too?

Prayuth's tardy response to the thieves at govt house that are still trying to spin the microphone purchase is unacceptable. It was vital that he showed graft would not be tolerated, and chose not too.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss...

[pedro01]

Reducing the price is not nearly enough - they still need to go after the guys that were involved in this.

[mike324]

slashed to retail price

[Fat Haggis]

The encouraging thing here is that public outcry has actually had some effect.

Where "effect" is several days of newspaper headlines.

It has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again since "getting rid of corruption" isn't going to happen anywhere in the world. The point is what happens AFTER the newspapers get tired of this story.

Almost no one is noticing that the OAG is in the process of indicting 11 of these Government House people for the clocks purchase. None of the 11 is a pooyai of course, but small victories deserve some notice and frankly some praise. The only way the prosecutors are ever going to dare to go after the Big Shots is if they get some public support for it.

Corruption is part of the culture, it's here to stay, there will always be someone at the take.

Unlike where?

Seriously. An example.

.

.

Corrpution is a global issue without a doubt sir, but the issue isn't whether there are other Governments across the very same globe, the issue is Thailands corruption, and not just that, but the fact the General when he " took over" stated clearly and categorically that he would put an end to it, and what has happened here?? Stevie Wonder can see this isn't all above board and that backhanders have taken place.. THAT is what I mean that corruption is part of the Thai culture, it has gone on before, during and AFTER the PTP are no longer in the drving seat.

[siampolee]

fab4 post # 51

Partially, even the incompetent media here has more effect than a facebook page or blog or two. Panadda boasted to the media during a tour of the conference room about the "state of the art" audio facilities that had been installed in the conference room, and they asked the pertinent questions. His reply?

"Who would ever dare cheat [this government]? They must be afraid of the prime minister and the National Council for Peace and Order chief,"

( said reply being both arrogant and a sad reflection on the abuse of power at the same time)

Expect Panadda to be more closely guarded on what he says in future. Maybe he'll be one of the first "incompetent" officials to be dismissed?

fab4 do you not listen to your Messiahs commands ?

Do sit up boy ,stop playing and pay attention to to your leader.

Thaksin wanted the Pheu Thai and red-shirt leaders to forgive and forget and end the conflicts during the tenure of the junta.

Edited September 11, 2014 by siampolee

[jayboy]

fab4 post # 51

Partially, even the incompetent media here has more effect than a facebook page or blog or two. Panadda boasted to the media during a tour of the conference room about the "state of the art" audio facilities that had been installed in the conference room, and they asked the pertinent questions. His reply?

"Who would ever dare cheat [this government]? They must be afraid of the prime minister and the National Council for Peace and Order chief,"

( said reply being both arrogant and a sad reflection on the abuse of power at the same time)

Expect Panadda to be more closely guarded on what he says in future. Maybe he'll be one of the first "incompetent" officials to be dismissed?

fab4 do you not listen to your Messiahs commands ?

Do sit up boy ,stop playing and pay attention to to your leader.

Thaksin wanted the Pheu Thai and red-shirt leaders to forgive and forget and end the conflicts during the tenure of the junta.

It is a truth universally acknowledged in the halls of our learned musings on Thai politics that whosoever resorts to language suggesting his interlocutor is in the pay of another or even worships at the altar of another - not only loses the argument but is a sorry jerk.

[Aree Wongwanlee]

If they shoot people convicted of corruption, we might get somewhere.

[ggold]

The Bosch system DCNM-NMD comes with LED screens at Bt300,000 each.

And yet they can be bought online for about $2000 or 64000 baht?

http://www.oknation.net/mblog/entry.php?id=933351

Edited September 11, 2014 by ggold

[MediaWatcher]

ggold, on 11 Sept 2014 - 13:30, said:

The Bosch system DCNM-NMD comes with LED screens at Bt300,000 each.

And yet they can be bought online for about $2000 or 64000 baht?

You're right, I found that price yesterday, I can't understand where the pricing for "separate" LED screens and microphones comes from, the DCNM-MMD comes as a unit ie screen and attached microphone.