Chadchart explains concerns over more than 92% of procurement by direct appointment, emphasizing Bangkok's readiness for audits. He notes that Bangkok already has a public asset database and supports developing a "Digital Twin" to elevate city management through digital data integration.
On 17 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chadchart Siddhiphant, candidate number 9 for Bangkok Governor, commented on the Democrat Party's observations from the “Srong Rat” app regarding Bangkok's budget management for fiscal years 2025-2026. The data shows procurement by direct appointment constituting 92.8%, with multiple projects capped at 500,000 baht, raising suspicions of potential avoidance of e-bidding procedures.
Mr. Chadchart stated that the procurement complies with government regulations. For purchasing equipment or supplies under the set financial thresholds, agencies can follow legally prescribed methods. All units must strictly adhere to Comptroller General Department guidelines. Any splitting of purchases or projects to avoid bidding is prohibited and illegal. If political factions or auditors have concerns, they should clearly specify the problematic projects to allow precise verification.
He added that current procurement limits and methods follow thoroughly reviewed Comptroller General Department criteria. Proposals to amend laws or lower direct appointment thresholds are policy matters that can be pursued, but in practice, Bangkok fully complies with existing regulations.
Regarding concerns that certain companies consistently win contracts or possible specification locking, Mr. Chadchart emphasized the need to examine each project’s details. Sometimes, repeated purchasing from the same supplier occurs because they provide the exact required materials. Nevertheless, specification locking remains a critical issue that Bangkok continuously prioritizes.
He explained that the most effective prevention of specification locking is transparency, allowing public scrutiny and feedback. If project or material specifications favor a particular supplier, affected parties or knowledgeable experts can raise objections or observations. Relevant committees must take responsibility for setting such conditions.
Mr. Chadchart said that Bangkok has worked to improve procurement data disclosure, making information more accessible than before when data was scattered and hard to find. Now, data is consolidated and presented clearly through electronic systems, enabling citizens, professionals, and businesses to participate in oversight.
Furthermore, Bangkok plans proactive measures by sharing large project details with professional bodies, associations, or expert organizations at early stages. This collaboration aims to identify potential specification locking conditions, increasing transparency and reducing criticisms of government projects.
System data improvements are underway.
Addressing critiques that Bangkok's Open Data system is incomplete or difficult to access, Mr. Chadchart affirmed the city's openness to suggestions and readiness to improve imperfections. He reaffirmed ongoing efforts to enhance data disclosure and transparent public communication.
Former Bangkok Deputy Governor Mr. Sanon Wangsangboon added that Bangkok's public data divides into general information presented via the city’s database and digital maps, and procurement data currently reliant on the Comptroller General Department’s system. Access to procurement data remains on a case-by-case basis. Bangkok has discussed linking procurement databases directly with the Comptroller General Department to enable continuous, comprehensive public access to procurement information.
Mr. Chadchart emphasized that Open Bangkok is a key policy featuring Open Data, Open Contract, Open Project, and Open Policy initiatives. These enable public monitoring, auditing, and engagement in city governance.
He also mentioned plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze irregularities from the budgeting phase, detecting risks before procurement begins. This approach aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in government spending. He believes the new Bangkok administration will continue and expand these open governance policies.
Mr. Chadchart concluded that Bangkok has no reason to withhold information and is prepared to disclose data at every possible step within legal limits. Greater public participation in oversight will strengthen transparency in city administration.
Bangkok already maintains a public asset database.
Mr. Chadchart also addressed a proposal by Mr. Suphanat Meenachainan, a Palang Pracharath Party MP, suggesting Bangkok create a “Bangkok Asset Management Map” showing public assets and responsible agencies to improve asset management and facilitate public data access. He said Bangkok already has such a database and digital mapping system accessible to the public. This database includes infrastructure and public assets across multiple dimensions, such as roads, excavation sites, utilities, and responsible agencies in each area.
“In fact, we already have this data showing project locations, ownership, responsible parties, and project statuses. However, the volume is large and some parts may need further completion,” Mr. Chadchart said. .
He gave the example of maps showing utility excavation pits, such as those of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, detailing hundreds of pit locations with responsible parties, project specifics, and progress. This database extends beyond infrastructure to include social and public safety information, like bedridden patients, fire hydrant locations, community fire extinguishers, and buildings requiring safety inspections.
Mr. Chadchart added that Bangkok is digitizing building data, especially for over 16,400 tall and large buildings across the city. Initial data on about 9,000 key buildings is already integrated, with plans to add details such as entrances, building layouts, and emergency operation information for officials.
He noted that the Bangkok Asset Management Map is a valuable proposal and that the city has initiated many related efforts but still needs to expand and enhance the database comprehensively. He expressed hope that the new Bangkok administration will continue and build upon this digital data system to improve urban management and citizen services effectively.
Integrated transit ticketing would be very beneficial if feasible.
Regarding the government's Ministry of Transport pushing legislation for a unified electric train ticketing system, aiming for a fare ceiling between 17 and 45 baht (with a single entry fee), expected to launch by 2027 CE, Mr. Chadchart said that if it truly integrates all lines, it would be excellent. However, details must be discussed, as fare principles suggest charges should not exceed 10 percent of income. Currently, various companies own different lines—for example, Bangkok owns the Green Line, while the Blue Line is privately operated.