THE process surrounding Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra’s newly renovated office has been questioned after it was learned the Bt16.5-million project was completed before the bidding was called.

Chaiwat Anuntasan, director of the Auditor-General Office (AOG)’s Procurement and Investigative Audit Office 3, led officials to inspect the office yesterday as part of a probe into its construction.

Chaiwat said the team found the renovation complete, although there was suspicion that it was renovated before the term of reference with the price tag of Bt16.5 million was set.

An attempt by the OAG to inspect the office last Friday resulted in officials only being allowed to check the hall in front of the governor’s office.

Chaiwat talked with city permanent secretary Peerapong Saichuea yesterday prior to the inspection and received related documents. He said the city co-operated with the OAG, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Public Works Department would provide more information to the OAG this week.

Chaiwat cited department head Prasan Pithakworarat as saying the Bt16.5 million had not yet been spent.

Chaiwat said the OAG would determine if the project was done according to civil service procedures and whether the Bt16.5 million was spent appropriately, with a decision expected at the end of the month.

“We will work fast on this case because this is state budget,” he said, adding that the OAG was authorised to suspend a project that should have been approved according to civil service procedure before money was paid.

Peerapong said the office renovation had been carried out partially in 2014 when Sukhuambhand was suspended, but he refrained for elaborating further as details of the case should be explained by the Public Works Department.

Niran Pradisakul, a Bangkok council public works and city plan sub-panel member, said the sub-panel would invite officials from the BMA’s Public Works Department and Drainage and Sewerage Department, as well as the former head of the governor’s secretary office to provide it with details about spending on the project.

Niran said this would be done because the office had already been renovated partially in 2014.

The sub-committee would probe this case in parallel with the OAG probe so there was clarity for the public, he said.

BOX: Median price information for the Bangkok governor’s office renovation project

The project’s median price is Bt16,513,940 and covers three parts:

1. The actual renovation work – Bt13,275,826. That includes Amarin Hall in front of the governor’s office; the governor’s office; an office area for officials at the governor’s secretary office; a conference room; the governor’s secretary office; a pantry area; toilets; and the governor’s advisers’ offices.

2. The items procured for the project – Bt2,207,955. They cover a dining table worth Bt130,500, eight dining chairs worth Bt54,500 each and two armchairs worth Bt61,200 each.

3. The special expenses according to the project’s conditions – Bt1,030,158.

Source: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Public Work Department website as of May 25.