Govt defends its use of state funds over project ‘delays’
The secretary-general to the prime minister, General Wilas Arunsri, on Monday insisted that the government’s use of the budget was transparent following speculation the Government House reconstruction projects are overdue.
The Bt31 million worth of projects, conducted by the Fine Arts Department, involve the refurbishment Command Buildings I and II to mirror the architectural tones of the venerable Thai Khu Fah and Santi Maitri buildings.
The projects, started in March last year, were set to be completed on January 21 or last Saturday.
Wilas said he had not looked through the project contracts but their construction occasionally ceased when the buildings hosted important meetings or were visited by official foreign guests.
“Those are unexpected circumstances,” he said “If the delay is caused by contractors, we will have to follow related regulations. But I insist that the government does everything transparently,” he said.
Also on Monday, 10 large lotus tubs were brought to garnish Government House in line with Wilas’ initiative to enhance the atmosphere around the compound. Professional world-class gardeners from Nongnooch Tropical Garden were assigned to oversee the decoration.
The colourful tubs were placed in front of Thai Khu fah building, the House’s main shrine, and the grass field in front of Command Building I, all of which are where PM often walks past when commuting between the two buildings.
While an informed source said that the lotus tubs were placed to strengthen the fates of the PM and his junta government in keeping with beliefs, Wilas insisted that they were only for decoration.