A landmark corruption ruling last week has forced the Bangkok governor and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to try and veto a contract signed with an Austrian firm to supply fire vehicles at a cost of THB6.6 billion.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions found both Pracha Maleenont and former senior BMA official Athilak Tanchookiat guilty of rigging bids in the fire vehicles case. Athilak was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The pair allegedly pushed for the purchase of 315 fire trucks and 30 fire-fighting boats without comparing prices, which allowed the Austrian company to sell the vehicles at a price that was nearly 49 percent higher than it would have been if bought locally.
The BMA intend to ask a Switzerland-based arbitrator to regard the Supreme Court’s ruling as evidence.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the Supreme Court ruling was clear proof the fire vehicles were bought under a questionable deal, and that it supports the BMA’s push for the arbitrator to revoke the contract and get a full refund, reported the Nation.
