According to an emerging investigation, one of the implicated officials has already exited their post, while the remaining will be reassigned to inactive positions. This move precedes a deeper probe to establish whether their actions qualify as severe disciplinary misconduct. Nuthapong Disayabutr, a deputy city clerk and head of the BMA’s anti-corruption center, shared these findings.
The initial results of this probe aren’t stopping at BMA’s desks—the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will also review them as legal proceedings loom. Nuthapong emphasized the NACC’s authority to scrutinize any suspected manipulations in the bidding process.
From the BMA’s perspective, an outlandish stipulation tarnished the fairness of the bidding process. Bid contenders were required to have previously secured a minimum of 40 contracts worth as much as those at stake in the current projects. Such a prerequisite not only was deemed unnecessary but also far exceeded the Ministry of Finance’s recommendations, essentially disqualifying a majority of potential bidders.
Controversy first sparked when the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) published a revealing post on its Facebook page, prompting swift action from the BMA. The process saw only two companies triumph in bidding to supply the gym equipment across the seven projects, priced at 17.91 million, 15.69 million, 12.11 million, 11.52 million, 11.01 million, 4.99 million, and 4.99 million baht, respectively.
The ACT noted that the reserve prices were strategically set high, making the winning bids appear deceptively lower than the overly generous median prices. For instance, some items fetched sums comparable to luxury cars. A treadmill was shockingly bought for 759,000 baht, whereas similar models elsewhere ranged between 100,000 to 300,000 baht.
Addressing these alarming revelations, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt lamented that corruption within the BMA is an unfortunate reality that necessitates relentless efforts to suppress. Chadchart pointed to systemic issues within state procurement laws as a significant factor, echoing that other state agencies grapple with similar challenges.
As the community thrives on the fitness equipment at Suan Rod Fai, the BMA faces a crucial juncture. The ongoing probe into procurement misconduct highlights a pivotal moment in Bangkok’s fight against corruption. It underscores a pressing need for transparency and integrity in state operations, ensuring that public funds are judiciously utilized for the city’s development rather than lining the pockets of the unscrupulous. The story is far from over—vigilant eyes await the NACC’s verdict and future reforms aimed at closing the loopholes that allow corruption to fester.
This gym equipment scandal is a shocking example of how corruption is ingrained in our public institutions.
Shocking, but not surprising. Corruption has been part of the system for decades.
True, but what about the community enjoying the new equipment? It’s a double-edged sword.
25 officials involved? That’s a mass betrayal of public trust!
These officials should face severe consequences. Public funds aren’t for personal gain!
Agreed! This level of corruption warrants prison time, not just reassignment.
But corruption cases rarely lead to prison time here. Reassignments are just a slap on the wrist.
That’s because the system protects itself. Reform is needed at the very core.
Exactly, systemic reform. Otherwise, these scandals will keep repeating.
Has anyone considered the quality of the equipment being bought at these exorbitant prices?
Quality won’t matter if it’s never used because this scandal might lead to distrust and a boycott.
People won’t boycott free public gyms. Come on, we all want to stay fit!
True. Fitness and physical health shouldn’t suffer because of corruption.
A treadmill for 759,000 baht? That’s robbery under the disguise of procurement!
The root problem is the state procurement laws that allow for such scams. Reform these laws!
It’s not just the laws, it’s also the people who exploit them. We need ethical leaders.
Ethical leaders are rare. Vigilant citizens must demand accountability.
With this level of corruption, how can anyone trust the BMA moving forward?
Trust is earned, and it’ll take transparent investigations and real consequences to rebuild it.
Absolutely, the NACC needs to be thorough and impartial in this probe.
Why isn’t there a public watchdog group overseeing these purchases in real-time?
This case should be integrated into civics education in schools to teach kids about the importance of integrity and accountability.
Misuse of public funds for gym equipment – what a disgrace!
And they picked the worst time, people are already struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic.
Exactly, the funds could have been used to directly alleviate suffering.
This is what happens when loopholes in procurement laws are exploited. Close them all!
Why are citizens always the ones who suffer when corruption happens in high places?
Because we don’t hold our leaders accountable enough. We need to be more active.
I can’t believe such high prices for gym equipment! How did those companies get away with it?
Collusion with the officials, that’s the only explanation.
Think of the environmental impact too. Are these equipment eco-friendly or just fancy junk?
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s lamentation about corruption sounds all too familiar. Talk more action!