STATE SECTOR

Government agencies considering bids on state construction projects will now be required to declare median bid prices on the website of the Comptroller-General's Department, according to the Finance Ministry.

Pakdiharn: Rule will improve transparency

The move is intended to ensure greater transparency in government contracts following accusations of corruption by the Democrats during last month's censure debate.

The Finance Ministry announced the new regulation to the cabinet yesterday, deputy government spokesman Pakdiharn Himathongkham said.

The Democrats had alleged during the debate that the government failed to follow the 2009 anti-corruption law in declaring the median prices of state bidding projects.

The ministry asked state agencies, including the Comptroller-General's Department, Revenue Department, Highways Department, Royal Irrigation Department, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission to come up with various methods to ensure transparency and prevent corruption in state bidding projects.

They agreed on a resolution to post online the median price of each state construction project open for bidding. The median prices will be visible on the website of the Comptroller-General's Department as well as on the website of the particular state agency for public inspection.

The calculation of the median price will be based on criteria and guidelines yet to be approved by the cabinet.

At first, the new regulation will only apply to construction projects.

The Finance Ministry will later come up with a plan on how to declare median prices on bids for other types of contracts.

The procedure will eventually extend to other projects such as the procurement of computers and software, machinery and other types of equipment, Mr Pakdiharn said.

Finance permanent secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom said the Comptroller-General's Department has sent a letter to all state agencies about the new requirements.