THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has gathered sufficient evidence to take legal action against two former directors-general at the Tourism and Sports Ministry for corruption in the procurement of exercise equipment for the development of recreational and health tourism destinations, PPTVHD 36 said late afternoon today (Oct. 8).
Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, the graft agency’s acting secretary-general, said Mr. Supol Sriphan, previously director-general of the Department of Tourism, and his associates had mishandled the procurement of recreational and exercise equipment for four projects undertaken in 2012 worth a total of 286,073,000 baht.
Investigation showed that they had allegedly procured 8 million baht worth of recreational and exercise equipment for some provinces even though they had not requested them.
Furthermore the specifications of these equipment matched those supplied by United Sport Development Co., Ltd. and related private companies, with this preventing fair price competition. The agreed prices were several times higher than the market level, he said, adding Supol is guilty of criminal offences under Sections 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code, while United Sport Development Co., Ltd. is guilty of supporting a government official in committing an offence.
The graft agency also uncovered evidence of corruption against Ms. Saengchan Worasuman, former director-general of the Department of Physical Education, and her associates in procuring recreational and exercise equipment in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 under two contracts, totaling totaling 29.7 million baht and 34.6 million baht respectively.
The purchases were made without conducting a survey of the needs of local agencies receiving them and specifications and median prices were set to favour Thai Work Fitness Co., Ltd., which was awarded both contracts. The prices were also higher than the market level.
Saengchan likewise is guilty of criminal offences under Sections 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code, while Thai Work Fitness Co., Ltd. is guilty of supporting a government official in committing an offence.
CAPTION:
National Anti-Corruption Commission acting Secretary-General Surapong Intarathaworn. Photo – PPTVHD 36
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