BRIBE INQUIRY
POST REPORTERS
The House committee to counter corruption has begun its investigation into the alleged bribe paid for the awarding of a drainage tunnel contract in Bangkok.
The committee plans to interview Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin.
The two are required to clarify the issue before the committee because the project, aiming at relieving flooding in the capital, was initiated in 2003, when Mr Samak was Bangkok governor, and completed last year, during Mr Apirak's term.
While Mr Apirak has ordered an inquiry into reports of a bribe of 400,000 yen (125 million baht) a Japanese firm allegedly gave to the City Hall to win the construction contract, Mr Samak denied any irregularities in the awarding of the project and branded the allegation ''ridiculous'' during his weekly television and radio programme on Sunday.
Mr Samak questioned why the company would pay bribes in yen despite the fact that the project was financed in baht.
Charnchai Isalasenarak, the House committee chairman, said Mr Samak was not involved in the project, from bidding to contract signing.
The committee will tomorrow ask Mr Charnchai and Mr Apirak to explain the facts.
The alleged scandal came to light after the Japanese press reported that an executive of Nishimatsu Construction had admitted to Japanese prosecutors that the company had given bribes to Thai officials to win the project.
The five-kilometre tunnel, stretching from Lat Phrao to the Saen Saep canal, provides rapid drainage for flood-prone areas in Bang Kapi, Klong Sam Wa and Min Buri.
The alleged irregularities have also caught the attention of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), which has set up a team to look into the case.
''But our work is not an official inquiry or investigation,'' said DSI chief Pol Col Thawee Sodsong.
He said initial findings will be used to decide whether the DSI launches a full investigation, pending approval of the special investigation committee.
Meanwhile, City Hall has still not concluded whether its officials were involved in the alleged scandal, nor has it released their names.
An 1,000-page document on the project has been already sent to Mr Apirak, who is expected to call a press conference today, said City Clerk Pongsak Semsant.
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