'DSI PUSHED IN ROW OVER SKYTRAIN'
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Some politicians must have influenced the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)'s intervention into the contract awarded to the current operator of the Skytrain system, an adviser to Deputy Bangkok Governor Thirachon Manomaipiboon said yesterday.
“The DSI chief is now trying hard to bring granting of the contract under the DSI’s jurisdiction.
[Such pressure’s] very likely because political office holders are preparing the annual reshuffle of officials,” Asawas Apaiwong said.
He was speaking in response to DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit’s media claim that Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, in his capacity as interior minister, had insisted the decision to grant the contract lay with him, not the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) or its legal investment arm, Krungthep Thanakom (KT).
BMA and KT plunged into controversy after awarding a 30-year contract, worth Bt190 billion, to the current operators of BTSC and the Skytrain system. BMA has described it as a contract, not an extension of the concession BTSC had been holding. At the helm of BMA now is a prominent member of the Democrat Party, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
Pheu Thai Party members have vigorously attacked the contract. In response to a complaint filed by Pheu Thai MPs, the DSI has investigated alleged irregularities in the contract. Accused of wrongdoing are Sukhumbhand, Thirachon and many more officials.
“I think DSI will [continue to create an air of scandal] over this case, probably until the next gubernatorial election is held,” Asawas said.
“The purpose is to discredit certain politicians.”
According to Tharit, the BMA, KT and BTSC will be asked to provide further explanation about the deal, after which the DSI board will rule whether to bring this case under its jurisdiction.
