BANGKOK, Sept 8 — Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Panadda Diskul today gave reassurances that the renovation of Government House, including its new and expensive microphones were graft-free and ready for examination.
Mr Panadda answered reporters’ questions on the purchase of extremely expensive microphones and electronic equipment for the cabinet meeting room at Government House.
He said that the procedures were accountable and transparent.
Mr Panadda said that the director-general of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning supervised the technical aspects of the meeting room and the procurement of the equipment was legitimate.
He denied he was trying to pass on responsibility to another.
Mr Panadda said that he would not insult himself by any corrupt act, and government officials respected Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister and chief of the National Council for Peace and Order, so they too would not become involved in any corruption.
He asked that the issue not be politicized.
Mr Panadda also said that the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning would be ready for examination and that costs of the renovation were actually lower than earlier set.
“Reporters will see the details of budgets used for the renovation of Government House because nothing is classified. I stress that the renovation of Government House is free of corruption,” Mr Panadda said.
