The Comptroller-General's Department, responsible for supervising government procurement amounting to as much as 7% of GDP, is gearing up to enforce green practices among contractors engaged in government projects.
According to Patricia Mongkhonvanit, the department's director-general, the agency will gradually implement measures requiring entrepreneurs supplying goods or services to the government to adapt.
For example, some products may need to be recyclable, while state construction projects may need to use concrete that reduces dust dispersion more than is required by current standards.
Furthermore, she said certain procurement items may need to be cancelled. For instance, government vehicle purchases may be unnecessary, or may only require partial procurement, said Mrs Patricia.
The government may instead opt for using transport services provided by internet platforms to help reduce expenses, including fuel and maintenance costs, she said.
Mrs Patricia said going green is essential to prepare for future competition, as international regulations increasingly consider environmental impacts.
By 2050, the nation has vowed to be carbon-neutral, and by 2065 it aims to achieve net-zero emissions.
As the regulator for government procurement, the department wants to reduce costs by streamlining unnecessary regulations to foster agility and efficiency, she said.
This involves reviewing the department's laws and regulations, which total 400, to modernise them, said Mrs Patricia.
One such law being reviewed by the department is the Government Procurement Act, which has been in use for five years, she said.
Certain issues need to be addressed to ensure government procurement operates swiftly and state funds flow into the economy more efficiently, said Mrs Patricia.
Another issue is appeals by unsuccessful bidders for government projects, she said.
Many appeals are submitted, which can impede the progress of tendered projects.
Mrs Patricia said earlier even if some appeals lack merit, once they are submitted, each appeal must be forwarded to the central committee for consideration.
Tendered projects are required to pause until an outcome is determined on the appeal, she said.
Two central committees consider the appeals.
Clearer regulations regarding appeals may be necessary to tackle this issue, said Mrs Patricia.