Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has insisted that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) controversial exercise equipment procurement scandal remains unresolved.
He stressed that multiple investigations are still underway despite criticism over what appeared to be lenient disciplinary penalties.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Chadchart said the case is currently being reviewed by the BMA's Civil Service Commission (CSC), which has ordered a reassessment of the disciplinary action against officials implicated in the procurement process.
The commission is also considering civil liability issues, including potential compensation for damages. At the same time, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is conducting its own investigation.
Mr Chadchart explained that the BMA's authority is limited to disciplinary proceedings. After receiving allegations of irregularities in seven procurement projects, the agency established a fact-finding committee and later a disciplinary committee to launch an investigation involving 32 officials.
However, when the initial findings resulted in what he viewed as excessively light punishments, he ordered a review. When the disciplinary panel maintained its original conclusions, the matter was forwarded to the CSC.
Asked why the BMA did not form a new committee, Mr Chadchart argued that doing so would only prolong the process. He said the CSC and the NACC should take over the case as they have greater authority.
The BMA said the case has not been concluded, and disciplinary penalties must first be carried out in line with government regulations.
The controversy resurfaced after People's Party MP for Bangkok Suphanat Minchaiynunt challenged Mr Chadchart and ex-deputy Bangkok governor Tavida Kamolvej over the handling of the case.
Mr Suphanat said the committee appointed by Mr Chadchart cleared 20 of the 32 officials investigated, while 12 were found guilty of non-serious disciplinary violations and had salary cuts of only 2%, or roughly 600 baht each.
