Bangkok:The Prime Minister has clarified that the public solar power project does not involve any rigged specifications or kickbacks.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister refuted allegations that the project's specifications had been manipulated. He emphasized that the project is still in the bidding stage, and the list of participating companies has not been finalized. He strongly denied any claims of kickbacks, making a bold statement that "Anyone found guilty, I will break their neck."
Furthermore, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed criticisms from the opposition concerning the "Solar for the People" project. He advised the public not to be alarmed by the number of companies involved, explaining that the list only includes those eligible to purchase bidding documents. He clarified that the numbers are not indicative of the final selection, and noted that the number of companies in previous tenders rarely exceeded 20-30.
Regarding concerns about duplicate board member names among companies, Mr. Anutin stated that he was unsure of any restrictions, as companies are considered legal entities. He assured that no inappropriate specifications favoring any party occurred under his administration.
Addressing allegations of kickbacks from smaller companies, the Prime Minister firmly denied such claims, declaring his readiness to take decisive action if any wrongdoing is discovered. He also highlighted that the project is under significant scrutiny and involves public funds, ensuring that transparency and honesty are maintained.
Mr. Anutin further elaborated that the project is not a one-time initiative but a year-long program impacting millions of households. He stressed the importance of safeguarding public interest and ensuring legitimacy in awarding contracts. He remains vigilant in overseeing the project to ensure fairness and transparency.