GWR
19-08-08, 09:10 AM
DSI to interview witnesses in 'suspicious' BRT project
By The Nation
Published on August 19, 2008
Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is looking to summons people allegedly involved in bid rigging for the city's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, after an initial probe revealed many suspicions.
Former city clerk Natthanon Thaweesin complained that procurement of buses for the BRT project lacked transparency, had incorrect specifications and overly high prices for buses.
The DSI was investigating the Bt6 billion project because there were signs of collusion, DSI investigator Colonel Pravet Mulpramook said.
He said the DSI would summon all parties involved includฌing senior city officials up to Bangkok governor for information.
Asked if there was a political motive for the investigation being held close to the election for a new Bangkok governor, he said DSI worked according to evidence. If they failed to act on the case, they could be punished for ignoring their duty, he said.
DSI had spent time gathering initial evidence until finding suspicious information such as assigning Krungthep Thanakhom Co to manage the BRT project when the firm had no experienced in public transฌport management, he said.
If it mismanaged the project, the city could not sue anyone because it held 100 per cent of shares in the company, he said.
Pravet said the DSI had not identified any wrongdoers yet therefore summonsed would be regarded as witnesses with the right to give evidence and explain themselves to investigators.
But if their explanations were not convincing, investigators could file charges against them.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/19/national/national_30080903.php
By The Nation
Published on August 19, 2008
Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is looking to summons people allegedly involved in bid rigging for the city's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, after an initial probe revealed many suspicions.
Former city clerk Natthanon Thaweesin complained that procurement of buses for the BRT project lacked transparency, had incorrect specifications and overly high prices for buses.
The DSI was investigating the Bt6 billion project because there were signs of collusion, DSI investigator Colonel Pravet Mulpramook said.
He said the DSI would summon all parties involved includฌing senior city officials up to Bangkok governor for information.
Asked if there was a political motive for the investigation being held close to the election for a new Bangkok governor, he said DSI worked according to evidence. If they failed to act on the case, they could be punished for ignoring their duty, he said.
DSI had spent time gathering initial evidence until finding suspicious information such as assigning Krungthep Thanakhom Co to manage the BRT project when the firm had no experienced in public transฌport management, he said.
If it mismanaged the project, the city could not sue anyone because it held 100 per cent of shares in the company, he said.
Pravet said the DSI had not identified any wrongdoers yet therefore summonsed would be regarded as witnesses with the right to give evidence and explain themselves to investigators.
But if their explanations were not convincing, investigators could file charges against them.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/19/national/national_30080903.php