BMA to strike out on its over fire trucks

The suit was filed against BMA for not paying the rent for the space, which is owned by the Ports Authority of Thailand and sub-let by Namyong Terminal. BMA is storing confiscated Austrian-made fire trucks in the area.

Deputy Bangkok governor Malinee Sukwejworrakit said the BMA has earmarked Bt1.7 million for a law firm to take over the case, in which Namyong Terminal is demanding that BMA pay it Bt117 million for outstanding rent. The payment was due to be made last Tuesday thanks to a Civil Court order, but the BMA wants to delay the payment by another 60 days. The court will decide on May 14 whether it will allow the postponement.

Namyong initially rented the space to store the hundreds of fire trucks that were seized as evidence by the National Counter Corruption Commission. The commission was investigating corruption in the purchase of the trucks from Austrian manufacturers Steyr Daimler Puch and US-based General Dynamics.

Fearing political consequences and criminal prosecution for alleged corruption in the purchase of the overpriced vehicles, the former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin decided not to accept remaining trucks and other fire-fighting equipment, refused to pay the remaining money and scrapped the deal.

Samak Sundaravej, as a former Bangkok governor; four former ministers during Thaksin Shinawatra's first term as PM; and four senior BMA officials are also facing prosecution over the fire-truck case.

Malinee said she would submit a recommendation to Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra asking him to put all the confiscated fire trucks to use and negotiate a deal with both Steyr and GE instead of scrapping the entire Bt6.7-billion purchase.

Sukhumbhand is also facing pressure from the Bangkok City Assembly, which yesterday called on him to utilise the confiscated vehicles. Sukhumbhand later said he welcomed the assembly's suggestion but would need to consult with legal advisors first. He hopes to make a final decision before August, when the BMA's sixth payment for the vehicles is due.