Kobkarn said an urgent order was issued for a fact-finding committee to be set up to probe the details of the spending, after public and media pressure over the alleged extravagant use of state money.

It was reported that Tourism and Sports permanent secretary, Pongpanu Svetarundra, was in charge of preparing the venue at the ministry for the meeting.

“There is a need to explain clearly about the budget-setting criteria … I confirm there will be a through probe into this to ensure transparency,” Kobkarn said.