PATTAYA, Thailand – The head of Pattaya’s procurement office has defended the city’s decision to purchase two executive vans worth 8.5 million baht, following public scrutiny over the timing and necessity of the project. The clarification comes after Chonburi MP Yodchai Puengporn raised questions regarding the approval of the procurement project for two executive vehicles, which was announced on May 21— the final day before the previous city executive team completed its term. Concerns were raised about the urgency of the purchase, its intended use, and whether the vehicles would directly benefit the public.
On June 23, Nampueng Chalichart, Director of the Procurement and Property Office of Pattaya City, stated that all procedures were carried out strictly in accordance with legal regulations and established timelines. She explained that the project had been initiated in 2025 and processed through Thailand’s electronic procurement system (e-GP) under the Comptroller General’s Department. She said the first bidding process was held in January 2026 but received no bidders, requiring a second round of procurement in April 2026. The winning bidder was subsequently selected through the standard evaluation process, with the results officially announced on May 21. She stressed that there was no special acceleration or irregular scheduling involved.
Addressing the need for the vehicles, she said Pattaya, as an international tourism city, regularly hosts foreign delegations, diplomats, investors, and high-level visitors. As such, appropriate transportation is required to support official executive duties. She also noted that the existing executive vehicle fleet includes vehicles such as an Alphard that has been in service for over 16 years, with high maintenance costs and deteriorating condition. The newly procured vehicles are hybrid models designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce long-term maintenance expenses, with battery warranties of up to eight years, which the city says will reduce overall future costs compared to maintaining aging vehicles.
Nampueng further insisted that the 8.5 million baht budget does not affect public service or infrastructure projects, stating that it comes from additional revenue and government tax allocations after essential municipal services such as waste management, healthcare, infrastructure development, and drainage systems have already been funded. She added that Pattaya prioritizes budget allocation based on urgency and public need, with core services addressed first before any remaining funds are used to improve operational efficiency and support the city’s image as an international tourism hub.
