Governor rejects claim of irregularities in light show

Investigation conducted by the office has exposed alleged irregularities in the Bt39.5million festive lighting project, which was implemented during his term.

But Sukhumbhand declared that he was not worried about any probes into the project. 

In response to OAG’s comment that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had handled the water management budget inefficiently, Sukhumbhand said his city administration had proceeded based on his election policies. 

“I won’t run the capital based on OAG comments because it’s the people who have elected me to this post,” Sukhumbhand said.

He said he would continue working on his projects, especially the giant water drainage tunnel and a mass-transit route connecting the capital with Samut Prakan province.

Sukhumbhand’s future is hanging in the balance but Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he would not intervene in the justice process over alleged abuse of power by the governor concerning procurement for the New Year light show.

Prayut said there was no need to exercise his authority under Article 44 of the Interim Charter after the Interior Ministry yesterday set up a committee to pursue criminal charges against Sukhumbhand and other officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration responsible for the “Bangkok Light of Happiness” show that run from December 30, 2015, to January 30.

The OAG said the BMA project was in violation of the state procurement law, while the bid selection process was “questionable”. 

Its findings were endorsed by the State Audit Commission.

Prayut said it wasn’t necessary yet for the Centre for National Anti-Corruption Commission (CNAC) to take up the case, even though the body has generally taken swift action in alleged graft and related cases since 2014.

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said his ministry was acting on the OAG’s findings and recommendations for criminal, civil and other actions against |the alleged wrongdoers, but had |no direct authority to remove |the governor from his office.

He said the case had to reach its final stage before there could be proceedings to impeach the governor or suspend him from performing his official duty.

Sukhumbhand’s term as governor is due to expire next March. 

A two-thirds majority of Bangkok’s councillors is required to vote to remove the governor.