Lopburi Provincial Administration Clarifies: 320 Million Baht Fitness Equipment Budget Distributed to 161 Sites, Not 3 Sites—Insists Investment is Worthwhile and Rust-Resistant
Lopburi Provincial Administration clarified that a 320 million baht fitness equipment project was distributed across 161 sites, not three, defending the stainless steel installations as durable public health investments across the province.
On May 22, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) held a forum at Lopburi Inn Resort in Muang District to address the Lopburi Provincial Administration's installation of stainless steel outdoor fitness equipment. The forum brought together relevant officials including NACC Lopburi Office Director Nantnapha Suebsamran, Education, Religion and Culture Department Head Wipavart Thomya, and Provincial Treasurer Kaewjai Kaditham to discuss the project's merit and budget allocation. Wipavart explained the initiative stems from the provincial administration's commitment to public health under its 2566-2570 development plan, with installations beginning in 2564. The project has been executed 11 times across fiscal years 2564-2568, establishing 161 sites with a total budget of 320,010,700 baht: 22 sites in 2564, 11 in 2565, 26 in 2565, one in 2565, 30 in 2566, 41 in 2567, and 30 in 2568. Wipavart acknowledged that the provincial administration has been overwhelmed by public inquiries following media reports suggesting only three sites received over 300 million baht, prompting questions about equipment origin and material quality. She emphasized the administration operates with transparency, guided by principles of value-for-money, and clarified that recent on-site inspections only sampled specific locations. The site selection process involves six criteria including public accessibility, community demand, legal compliance, safety lighting, scenic preservation, and cost-effectiveness. Wipavart noted that underutilized sites may be relocated based on future evaluations and community feedback. She reaffirmed the equipment's durability, emphasizing its lifespan exceeds initial expectations despite appearing costly.
