Lawmaker Questions 800 Million Baht Cancer Institute With No Progress
A Thai lawmaker questioned why a 3.285 billion baht cancer institute in Bangkok has received 800 million baht in funding yet shows virtually no construction progress beyond a fenced perimeter.
Nattcha Boonchaiinsuwat, a Thai Phaksa party list member of parliament, raised concerns during a Section 25 parliamentary debate on the Public Health Ministry regarding the construction of a new National Cancer Institute in Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok, valued at 3.285 billion baht. Last year, 25 percent of the budget—approximately 400 million baht—was committed, and this year an additional 10 percent was requested. According to documents, 25 percent of the total budget has been paid out, yet the construction site shows only 0.003 percent progress, consisting solely of a corrugated metal fence surrounding the area with red soil inside. Despite paying out 800 million baht, the state has received almost no tangible work. Documentation also reveals the project faces unresolved problems preventing construction from proceeding. Nattcha stated that while residents welcome the prospect of a new, large hospital facility in the district, the government cannot ignore releasing such large sums of money with nothing to show for it.
