The cabinet has approved the construction of a Bangkok observatory tower worth 4.62 billion baht in the Klong San area without a bidding process, says assistant government spokesmen Athisith Chaiyanuwat.
Speaking at Government House yesterday, Col Athisith said the cabinet agreed that the project needed to be constructed on a plot in Klong San district owned by the Treasury Department.
The Bangkok observatory tower, operated by Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation, will be located at Charoen Nakhon Soi 7, next to the Chao Phraya River.
Col Athisith said of the 4.62-billion-baht cost, 4.42 billion will be spent on project construction and 198.5 million will be reserved for a land payment to the Treasury Department.
The land plot is now occupied by the Royal Thai Police.
Funds for the project will be raised from the foundation, mainly through loans from financial institutions and donations from the private sector.
The environmental impact assessment for the 459-metre, or 29-storey tower project has been approved by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning.
The cabinet approved the project and forwent the bidding process, saying it could result in construction delays, said Col Athisith.
The government also said the project would draw little attention from the private sector due to its function, which is intended for social benefit and not private profit.
Col Athisith, however, said a private contractor chosen to develop the project will be required to comply with rules and regulations as stipulated by the state.
It was required to draw plans associated with traffic management, environmental conservation and local community development.
The observation tower will serve as a new Bangkok tourist attraction featuring Thai culture and advanced technology management, in accordance with the government's so-called Thailand 4.0 economic model, said the assistant spokesman.
Officials said the tower will be operated for the public good to follow in the footsteps of the late King.
The scheme must be submitted to the Treasury Department and the Finance Ministry for consideration.
Income after deducting costs must be spent on social service activities.