The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is suspending the controversial change of nameplate for Bang Sue Grand Station while a probe is pending. That's a welcome development, but it's not enough.
Given the public outrage over what is seen to be an overly expensive project, a probe into the 33-million-baht contract, which involves the installation of 48 three-metre-tall Thai letters, 62 English characters and two SRT logos, was inevitable. Initially, the project was supposed to begin on Jan 3.
The station's new name, "Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal", was bestowed by His Majesty the King in September last year.
Although the SRT had three months to call bids to find a company to do the work, the state agency simply handed the contract to Unique Engineering and Construction Plc (Uniq) late last month through a special selection method which allows it to choose a contractor among a few short-listed companies.
The SRT said it decided to pick Unique Engineering and Construction Plc because the company had carried out other projects at the new rail station, designed as a major transport hub.
The state agency claimed the unusual bidding method was appropriate as the redesign work involved improving completed construction work that was still within its warranty period.
According to local reports, Unique Engineering and Construction Plc has won several megaprojects from the transport minister, worth over 52 billion baht, since 2019.
While adamant that the process of awarding the project was transparent, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob last week set up a panel to look into the process.
He ordered the panel, headed by Deputy Transport permanent secretary Sorapong Paitoonpong, to finish its investigation in 15 days, or Jan 19. Mr Sorapong told the media the SRT had provided a written clarification.
He did not provide details about the panel's composition, but it's understood it comprises only state officials, without any neutral parties.
The lack of non-partisan people unavoidably raises questions about what the minister meant by transparency.
Nor has the SRT explained why, when it was aware that the nameplate would have to be changed, that it made the old one so permanent that it requires a special effort to get it removed and a new one installed.
Some critics say the probe and the suspension are just a delaying tactic by the state agency aimed at easing pressure on the SRT and the ministry.
There are grounds for concern that the probe will be used as a rubber stamp for the project to go ahead rather than find out what happened. To quell any doubts, the panel's probe should be open to public scrutiny.
After a long silence, it's welcome that the National Anti-Corruption Commission has started looking into the case.
It has asked the SRT to provide information, particularly about the use of its selection methods for hiring a contractor.
The commission said it was waiting for more details from the SRT and if the information is suspicious, it may launch a probe.
The graft buster should move swiftly and carefully as it examines the evidence. Other watchdogs whose work involves auditing should also pitch in and ensure the probe is truly transparent and there is no foul play.
