Social Security Office Explains Chonburi Land Purchase at 84.5 Million Baht, Claims Prime Location

Social Security Office explains the 84.5 million baht land purchase for a new provincial office in Chonburi, using a direct purchase method for a property in a narrow side street. The project was approved in late 2023 before the newly elected board took over, and is currently abandoned, sparking online criticism. Nirada Saneemanomai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, clarified that the purchase followed procurement regulations. Before buying private land, they consulted government agencies about using state-owned property. The Treasury Office proposed a plot, but it was found to be inconvenient and too small, necessitating a new land purchase. The selected land, though not on a main road, is only 200 meters from Sukhumvit Road and 800 meters from the old office, located in a community area. Land prices for roadside properties would have been significantly higher. The construction is currently delayed as they await design plans from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning.