BMA officials will be charged over the controversial light show

BANGKOK, 13 July 2016, (NNT) - The Ministry of Interior has indicated that it will charge officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) over the spending of 39 million baht for a month-long light show during the New Year celebration period.

The comment was made by Permanent Secretary for Interior Krissada Boonrach, who assured the public that the prosecution of BMA officials involved in the scandal will be brought forward. However, he added that there are no plans to remove Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra from office, at least not until the investigation is completed.

On June 30th, Mr. Krissada instructed the BMA to investigate its officers over their alleged abuse of power in the procurement of equipment used in the light show. Those under investigation include the Bangkok Governor, Director of the BMA's Culture, Sports and Tourism Office Pranee Satayaprakob, Director of the BMA's tourism unit Tawatchai Chan-ngam, five members of the Terms of Reference (TOR) committee, and four companies contracted for the show.

The BMA has also been asked to seek disciplinary actions against Ms. Pranee and the five members of the TOR committee.

-- NNT 2016-07-13

"there are no plans to remove Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra from office"

This guy seems to be able to get through anything. Who'll take the heat for him this time?

What's the issue? Too many led-lights or was the electric bill too steap?

Anyway, it looked great and tourists loved it. It's a competition between the Asian metropoles who has the most led-lights.

If they can't have loads of lights they'll buy a huge imported christmastree next christmas.

What's the issue? Too many led-lights or was the electric bill too steap?

Anyway, it looked great and tourists loved it. It's a competition between the Asian metropoles who has the most led-lights.

If they can't have loads of lights they'll buy a huge imported christmastree next christmas.

The recommendation came after the OAG found corruption in the light project.

The project drew criticism after it emerged that public funds were misused and the selection of the bid winner was questionable.

The OAG found that some of the company’s executives were members of the ToR committee responsible for selecting the wining bid.

Tender manipulation, personal gain in office and corruption.

"there are no plans to remove Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra from office"

This guy seems to be able to get through anything. Who'll take the heat for him this time?

CelticBhoy:

"...at least not until the investigation is completed."

I think they have got Sukhumbhand well and truly in their sights (http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/gen-anupong-says-he-will-sack-bangkok-governor-only-after-court-cases-end/148278/).

It seems almost incredulous that they are making such a big issue of it now - especially as they were given fair warning about the BMA's plans for the light show last December (http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/city-hall-light-show-to-celebrate-new-year/).

"there are no plans to remove Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra from office"

This guy seems to be able to get through anything. Who'll take the heat for him this time?

CelticBhoy:

"...at least not until the investigation is completed."

I think they have got Sukhumbhand well and truly in their sights (http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/gen-anupong-says-he-will-sack-bangkok-governor-only-after-court-cases-end/148278/).

It seems almost incredulous that they are making such a big issue of it now - especially as they were given fair warning about the BMA's plans for the light show last December (http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/city-hall-light-show-to-celebrate-new-year/).

His jacket has been on a shaky nail for years now. I can't understand how he is still in office.

I smell a few runners comming

I went, very few foreign tourists,thought it was rubbish and said it was no where near worth 39 mil.