“Tawida and Chadchart” clarify the investigation into corruption concerning Bangkok’s exercise equipment, emphasizing that the process has not yet concluded. They point out that the disciplinary order to deduct 2% of salaries was overturned for further inquiry because the penalty was considered too lenient.,
On 8 June 2026, regarding allegations of corruption in Bangkok’s procurement of exercise equipment, Mr. Suphanat Meenachainan, a Member of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council from the People’s Party, shared information on Facebook marking the second anniversary of the exposure of the overpriced equipment procurement project. He stated that the disciplinary investigation committee appointed by the Bangkok Governor had investigated 32 involved officials. The conclusion found 20 officials not guilty, while 12 were found guilty of minor disciplinary offenses and were punished by a 2% salary deduction, roughly 600 baht per person, before the case was closed.
Ms. Tawida Kamolvej, former Deputy Governor of Bangkok, explained that the investigation process is ongoing. The then-Governor of Bangkok ordered continuous additional checks and did not allow the matter to end with the initial investigation results.
Ms. Tawida stated that around February to March, the initial findings suggested that those involved committed minor disciplinary offenses, recommending a 2% salary deduction as punishment, which is factual. However, when the case was reviewed by the Bangkok Civil Service Commission (BCSC), they considered the penalty too light and identified several questionable points in the investigation dossier. Consequently, they resolved to send the case back for further investigation to obtain more complete and comprehensive facts.
Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, former Governor of Bangkok and independent candidate for the governorship, said the matter has not yet been officially concluded. The published investigation results are only preliminary recommendations from the investigation committee and have not been endorsed as a final ruling.
Mr. Chadchart said that although the disciplinary process is not complete, the key outcome from this case has been a complete overhaul of Bangkok’s budget proposal structure and system. In particular, all projects now require clear supporting details, sufficient evidence, and thorough scrutiny, unlike previous practices that might have relied on just a few supporting documents.
“What has happened is not merely about punishing wrongdoers, but has led to structural changes in budget management, which is an important and beneficial outcome for the organization in the long term.” Mr. Chadchart said.
Mr. Chadchart also revealed that this case is linked to another case involving the repair of Bangkok buses. “The Thip Bus Repair Case” which involves some of the same individuals. That case has resulted in disciplinary actions up to dismissal of involved officials, and further decisions are pending. When asked about public criticism following the disclosures by Mr. Suphanat, Mr. Chadchart emphasized that the information revealed is not the final conclusion, as it reflects only the viewpoint of one investigation committee. The authorized review committee has sent the matter back for reconsideration because the initial findings are not yet acceptable.
Regarding public questions about whether a penalty of only a 600-baht salary deduction would be appropriate, Mr. Chadchart stated that the relevant agencies need to clearly explain the facts to the public. However, at this stage, the case is still under procedural consideration and it is beyond the direct authority of the executives to order, as it must proceed according to regulations and through independent investigation and adjudication committees.
Mr. Chadchart also mentioned the parallel investigation process by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Bangkok has coordinated with the NACC from the start, as the NACC has authority for in-depth investigation, especially regarding financial trails, which covers a broader scope than Bangkok’s disciplinary inquiry and could lead to more severe penalties if wrongdoing is found.
He urged the public following the matter not to prematurely conclude that the case is closed, since the reported findings have not been confirmed as final, and Bangkok has already ordered a review of the investigation results.
“In fact, it should be seen as a positive sign that the original recommendation was rejected and sent back for reconsideration, as this shows the administration did not overlook the public’s concerns,” Mr. Chadchart said.
Mr. Chadchart affirmed that during his tenure, he took corruption suppression seriously. There have been cases leading to severe disciplinary actions, including dismissals. He emphasized that in the exercise equipment case, no final disciplinary orders have yet been issued as reported, and the matter awaits further decisions from the new administration and relevant agencies.
When asked if he would intensify anti-corruption efforts if given another chance to lead Bangkok, Mr. Chadchart reiterated that he would pursue full investigations because corruption affects public trust. He emphasized that lessons from this case have led to stricter, more transparent, and more auditable budget preparation and approval systems, helping prevent recurrence of similar problems.
Additionally, Mr. Chadchart expressed gratitude to those who disclosed information. “Thanks to those who came forward to expose the issues,” and helped scrutinize the project. Although it put pressure on the administration, it played a crucial role in enabling Bangkok to improve its workflows and raise the standards of budget management efficiency.