Chadchart sent a request to the Comptroller General's Department to verify the qualifications of the private firm that won the drainage tunnel bid, affirming that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) acted according to regulations and transparently in the process.
On 4 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Chadchart Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok, spoke about concerns regarding the private company that won the Bueng Nong Bon drainage tunnel construction bid, which might lack qualifications because it is undergoing business rehabilitation. He explained that initially, the BMA must follow the Comptroller General's Department's regulations, which set procurement criteria. To be thorough, the BMA sent an inquiry to the Comptroller General's Department to confirm whether the contract could proceed, since that department has the final say on bidder qualifications. It is understood that the company may have joined the bidding before encountering financial difficulties.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration requires contractors with financial stability to ensure continuous work, but ultimately must adhere to regulations. The governor does not have authority to decide who is eligible or not, so clarity from the Comptroller General's Department is awaited to explain to the public that all decisions comply with official criteria.
Chadchart added that the project has faced problems from the start, including designs that did not align with actual site conditions, making execution difficult. Revisions were made without considering construction feasibility, which is a significant issue the BMA is addressing seriously. The bidding occurred during a transitional period before his second term began. Upon learning about these issues, he instructed involved parties to proceed with maximum transparency to answer public concerns.
Regarding other major construction projects that remain delayed, the governor said some face liquidity or other issues, and some have already had contract extensions. He ordered all agencies to accelerate progress and strictly enforce contract terms because the public is affected. Nonetheless, while some projects have been delayed, many others have been completed on schedule.