Cabinet approves Bt8 billion to pay compensation over Klong Dan project

[webfact]

Cabinet approves Bt8 billion to pay compensation over Klong Dan project
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet Tuesday approved the use of central budget in paying about Bt8billion compensation to a consortium affected by the cancellation of the corruption-plagued Klong Dan wastewater-treatment plant project.

The first instalment of compensation, which was over Bt3.17 billion, will be paid by the coming Saturday.

The second instalment of Bt2.38 billion will be paid by May 21 next year, and the final instalment of Bt2.38 billion will be paid by November 21 next year.

The Supreme Administrative Court issued a ruling in favour of the consortium, NVPSKG, late last year.

In 1997, NVPSKG won a project to design and build the Klong Dan facility from the Pollution Control Department (PCD). In 2004, PCD lodged complaints against several companies that were part of the consortium, accusing them of fraud.

In 2009, several government officials and politicians, including former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame, were found guilty of corruption related to the Klong Dan project. Vatana is now on the run.

The Supreme Administrative Court, however, ruled that NVPSKG had completed part of construction required for the Klong Dan project and that the PCD had to pay for work that was done.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Cabinet-approves-Bt8-billion-to-pay-compensation-o-30273118.html


-- The Nation 2015-11-17

[webfact]

Cabinet approves fund to pay builder of Klong Dan project

BANGKOK:-- The cabinet today (Tuesday) approved a huge budget from the Central Fund to be used to pay the constructor of the Klong Dan water treatment project in Samut Prakan as ordered by the Supreme Administrative Court.

The special budget was requested by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment after the ministry lost the case to the builder of the corruption-riddled project.

As ordered by the court, the payments will be made in three instalments: 3,174.5 million baht to be paid within November 21; 2,380.9 million baht to be paid within next May 21; and the final instalment of 2,380.9 million baht within November 21 next year.

Former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame who was in charge of the Land Department then illegally acquired land and sold them to the Pollution Control Department to be used as the construction site at inflated prices. Several other officials alleged to be involved in the scam have been sentenced to imprisonment. Vatana escaped before the reading of the verdict.

Government spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha told his cabinet that the Klong Dan project should serve a lesson about how corruption has damaged the country and that this should not be repeated.

The cabinet also the Waste Water Management Organisation to see to it how the Klong Dan waste water treatment plant can be utilized.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/cabinet-approves-fund-to-pay-builder-of-klong-dan-project

-- Thai PBS 2015-11-18

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“Stupidity Fee” Valued at 9.8 Billion Baht Approved by Thailand’s Cabinet 0
BY JACOB MASLOW

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s Cabinet has agreed to what is called a “stupidity fee.” This fee has been assessed following the scandal of the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant. In total, the fee will be 9.8 billion baht.

The fee will be distributed in three installments as per the suggestions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The first 40% of the fee will be due this coming Monday, with two additional 30% installments due on May 21, 2016 and November 21, 2016.

Payments will be divided both in baht and USD. The fees are broken down into 7.9 billion baht, with the remaining payment being provided in USD$54.1 million.

Full story: http://ethailand.com/business-news/stupidity-fee-valued-at-9-8-billion-baht-approved-by-thailands-cabinet/290/

-- eThailand 2015-11-18

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Government spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha told his cabinet that the Klong Dan project should serve a lesson about how corruption has damaged the country and that this should not be repeated.

Ohh yes.... but it will be...