Anti-Corruption Commission Investigates 300 Million Baht Exercise Equipment Procurement by Lopburi Provincial Administration
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a 300 million baht outdoor exercise equipment procurement project by Lopburi Provincial Administration, questioning the cost-effectiveness of equipment priced at 200,000-300,000 baht
On May 21, 2025, Surapong Inthathevaras, Secretary of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accompanied by Vivat Charoemcham, Deputy Secretary of the NACC Region 1, and government agency representatives from Lopburi Province, conducted a field inspection and provided guidance on preventive measures regarding government procurement. The case involves a project to install stainless steel outdoor exercise equipment in three locations under the Lopburi Provincial Administration: in the areas of Tha Sala Subdistrict Municipality, Phi Kao Ton Subdistrict Administration Organization, and Ngiw Rai Subdistrict Administration Organization. The NACC Secretary inquired into the project's origins, budget allocation, and value for money of the budget expenditure.
Suprapong revealed that while no complaints have been filed with the NACC regarding this stainless steel exercise equipment procurement, the NACC has implemented proactive anti-corruption measures and budget spending surveillance. All areas with relatively high budget expenditures will be monitored. When the NACC Lopburi office discovered this outdoor exercise equipment procurement project with a budget of over 300 million baht involving 11 separate purchases since fiscal year 2564, they raised questions about the cost-effectiveness, procurement processes, and potential legal violations.
The field inspection in Lopburi is part of proactive surveillance of high-budget expenditures, conducted in coordination with the Budget Bureau and the Comptroller General's Department nationwide. Both completed and future projects will be reviewed. In Lopburi's case, expenditures from fiscal year 2568 are being examined to assess value for money. Preliminary inquiries have been made with responsible officials, and various issues will be analyzed to propose appropriate measures.
The evaluation criteria for cost-effectiveness will involve both the Comptroller General's Department, which examines procurement standards, and the NACC, which reviews potential price collusion or overpricing. Cost-effectiveness will incorporate procurement laws and regulations on fraudulent pricing practices, which fall under NACC authority. Some matters may not violate laws but could still raise propriety questions.
When asked about equipment prices of 200,000-300,000 baht per unit but with only approximately 20 annual users, the NACC Secretary stated this requires further analysis, which his office has already considered. The NACC Prevention and Investigation teams will determine what measures to take, potentially triggering budget expenditure review procedures, though no complaints have been received to date.
Regarding 11 purchases with 9 from the same company, Surapong noted this represents a company repeatedly winning bids—another point requiring NACC consideration. If no laws are violated, the NACC may escalate recommendations to the Cabinet or relevant government agencies for regulatory compliance guidance. He emphasized that proactive measures encourage government approving authorities to exercise greater caution.
