Pheu Thai pushes for thorough review of bus project

"The prime minister should listen to opinions from all sides and ensure the funds are spent to benefit the public," opposition MP Wichan Meenchainan said.

He submitted the petition through deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut at Government House.

Wichan said the government had yet to justify the expense of leasing 4,000 buses to serve Bangkok commuters for 10 years.

The key issue is how this project would improve the performance of debt-ridden Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, especially since the project is plagued with irregularities, he said.

He added that many believed the Bhum Jai Thai Party was pushing for the project because it served its partisan interest at the next general elections, instead of aiming to offer the best option for commuters.

At the end it will be the commuters who will have to pay, he said.

Wichan said the publicity campaign only highlighted positive aspects of the project, without mentioning the financial consequences. Besides, Bhum Jai Thai appeared bent on pushing the project through by using publicity to influence the review, he added.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was not against the PR campaign because authorities would review the project based on its feasibility. He said he saw Bhum Jai Thai as trying to explain itself amid suspicions of foul play.

The party is entitled to exercise its right to dispel doubts, he said.

"I think it is a good thing to try and foster understanding because it means that Bhum Jai Thai still cares about public sentiment," he said.

Transport Minister Sopon Saram said billboards for the project were meant to explain the options available for leasing or buying the buses.

Sopon dismissed the allegation that he and his Bhum Jai Thai Party wanted to influence the outcome of the project review.

He said, in his opinion, the lease would be a better deal, although he was ready to concede to the review by the National Economic and Social Development Board.

He disclosed the estimated cost of the publicity campaign was Bt3 million.

In the next two week, the ministry will hold a public hearing on the project and ideas aired will be compiled and forwarded to the NESDB for review, he said.