Probe ordered into pricey audio system for new Cabinet
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PM's Office Minister and permanent secretary Panadda Diskul said yesterday he would hold an investigation into the procurement of an expensive audio system at Government House to clear public doubts about the deal.
The sophisticated system with 89 new microphones – allegedly priced at Bt 145,000 each – was installed recently in Room 501.
Reporters and the public have raised questions over the high price of the microphones and the procurement procedure, amid claims the system was overpriced and the procurement done in special way.
Panadda said: “In all honesty, I wasn’t informed of about this issue because the refurbishment of Government House wasn’t a political issue. However, an investigation to ensure transparency will begin as soon as possible.”
Pheu Thai Party legal expert Ruangkrai Leekijwattana said the reported price figure is much higher than the market price of Bt99,000 and questioned why the microphones were installed before a purchase contract had been signed.
There is also suspicion that a certain supply company was given a favourable procurement deal on the microphones after the military junta approved a Bt252 million budget for a major refurbishment of Government House on July 22 – the first in several years.
Government House is due to host the new Cabinet’s first meeting today. Some ministers visited their new offices at certain times yesterday, allegedly for superstitious reasons.
Deputy PM Pridiyathorn Devakula arrived at Government House at 9am for the first time yesterday after Cabinet members swore royal oaths about their new jobs. He also brought a Buddha statue that he worships.
Pridiyathorn said key issues for the first Cabinet meeting early today would be social issues and public policies.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew was reported to have preferred to enter Government House via gate number 9 – perhaps due to the Thai belief that number 9 will bring good luck.
Security was reportedly ready, with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit having surveyed the area and Special Branch Police stationed at all gates to impose strict checking measures.
