Bangkok governor suspends fitness equipment procurement program due to transparency concerns

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has suspended a fitness equipment procurement programme at three sports centres managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) after concerns were raised about the transparency of equipment purchases. The purchases under investigation include 15.7 million baht for the On Nut Sports Centre, 12.1 million baht for the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Min Buri and 11 million baht for the Mitr Maitree Sports Centre in Din Daeng.

The precautionary suspension came after the Strong Thailand Anti-Corruption Club highlighted irregular spending of around 103 million baht at seven other BMA sports centres. In response, Chadchart has launched a comprehensive internal investigation by the BMA’s Anti-Corruption Committee to review these centres.

The BMA works closely with the State Audit Office and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure that all procedures are thoroughly scrutinised. Any findings of wrongdoing are reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The initiative has gained additional public attention through social media discussions about some unusually expensive items, such as an electric treadmill for 759,000 baht and a spinning bike for 484,000 baht. Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon has expressed his appreciation for the public’s engagement in the scrutiny process, noting that such community involvement is crucial to improving transparency and accountability in government spending. (NNT)