Social Security's Bt2.8 bn project "not legally approved": source

An investigation by a Social Security Office (SSO) committee has released an initial finding that a Bt2.8billion information technology project for the SSO was not lawfully approved and should be scrapped.

The SSO's fact-finding committee found that approval by secretary-general Phairoj Suksamrit made a few days after the September 19 military coup was beyond his legitimate authority, an SSO source said.

Responding to Tuesday's Cabinet decision to transfer him to the post of Labour Ministry deputy permanent secretary, Phairoj said he had no problems complying with the transfer order and welcomed Surin Jirawisit as his successor as SSO chief.

The committee, headed by former attorney-general Komain Phattharaphirom, recommended the final decision on whether to continue with the project or scrap it rested with Labour Minister Apai Chandanachulaka.

The panel warned scrapping the project could subject the SSO to a civil lawsuit for compensation of as much as Bt100 million by the contractor that was awarded the project.

Source: The Nation - 15 November 2006

Does anyone know the scope of the project? B28Bn is a lot of money for some IT project...