A solar streetlight project costing 9.9 million baht has sparked social media doubts about whether the lights are installed too closely together. The mayor of Nikom Kamsroi Subdistrict has responded, stating that the installation is appropriate, cost-effective, and beneficial to the community.
On 3 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the Facebook page STRONG Anti-Corruption Thailand posted a message stating: “Solar streetlights installed very closely at a cost of 9.9 million baht.”
STRONG raised concerns about a project by Nikom Kamsroi Subdistrict Municipality in Mukdahan province, which purchased 148 sets of 50-watt solar-powered LED streetlights with adjustable-height poles and steel pile foundations, project number 68129033747, with a budget of 9,916,000 baht and a winning bid of 9,906,000 baht — averaging about 66,932 baht per set. However, field observations found the streetlights installed very close together in many places, prompting the question...
Is it really necessary to install them so closely? What are the cost components and specifications for each set priced at 66,932 baht? Were calculations for spacing and illumination levels conducted? And to what extent do citizens receive value from this nearly 10 million baht budget?
STRONG did not accuse wrongdoing but emphasized that every government baht must be accountable and answer questions about “value for money.” They urged relevant agencies to disclose details such as the bill of quantities, unit prices, installation plans, pole spacing, and engineering calculation results for public scrutiny. If nothing is amiss, transparency is even more important.
Recently, reporters visited the site in question with Chalerm Butrkan, mayor of Nikom Kamsroi Subdistrict, who told them the project was initiated before he took office. However, from his perspective, the project benefits the community because the road was previously dark and isolated with little traffic. There is also a municipal sports field hosting activities two to three times a week, regularly used by other government agencies, and Suphakorn Nikom Thammaram Temple benefits from the lighting. Additionally, elderly groups use this road for early morning exercise daily.