Bangkok city officials were implicated in overpriced gym-equipment purchases; most were cleared or lightly penalised, and the governor ordered a tougher review.
Subject of this story
Also named
What happened
In July 2024 a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) anti-corruption task force reported that 25 city officials were implicated in seven purchases of exercise equipment at inflated prices; the Bangkok Post puts the projects' value at about 77.22 million baht. A BMA disciplinary committee later cleared 20 of 32 officials investigated and penalised 12, with penalties that critics called lenient, including a fine of about 600 baht (reported as a 2% salary cut). Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said he disagreed with the initial penalties and ordered the Bangkok Metropolitan Civil Service Commission to reconsider, which could result in stronger sanctions including dismissal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is separately examining the financial trail and vendors. These are findings of internal BMA bodies; no court has ruled on the matter.
By the numbers (3)
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Roles
1 source
- Nation Thailand
ordering a comprehensive review by the Bangkok Metropolitan Civil Service Commission
Figures
1 source
- Nation Thailand
Chadchart explained that the 600-baht fine had been imposed first
1 source
- Bangkok Post
cleared 20 of 32 officials investigated over inflated gym-equipment procurement, finding 12 guilty of only minor violations with a 2% salary cut
Sources (4)
Response
Contacted and made an on-record admission — exact wording not on record.
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.