Committee chairman Deputy Bangkok Governor Wallop Suwandee called the meeting after a panel concluded the equipment, sold by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, was overpriced. However, a committee member yesterday said it was likely the BMA would be recommended to accept the vehicles.

"If the BMA refuses to accept the equipment, the Austrian firm will definitely file lawsuits and the authority stands a poor chance of winning," a committee member who asked not be named said.

The Bt6.68-billion contract was also made in conjunction with an agreement between the Thai and Austrian governments.

The Office of the Attorney General also recommended the BMA accept the fire-engines and fire-boats, another anonymous committee member said.

"Our committee will make a decision and forward it to Governor Apirak Kosayodhin. It depends on him what the BMA will do," he said.

He said Apirak would bear sole responsibility if he decided not to accept the equipment and the Austrian firm sued. However, he said that relevant parties would take responsibility if the BMA accepted the equipment and would help call to account those involved with pushing the BMA to sign the contract.

Wallop's committee has 11 members, including legal experts.

According to an official, Bhokin Bhalakula was the interior minister, responsible for overseeing the BMA, when the agreement of understanding was signed.