BMTA considers scrapping NVG bus contract
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is considering scrapping its bus purchase deal with Bestlin Group in the wake of a customs tax evasion scandal. The authority is seeking advice from the Office of the Attorney-General over possibly scrapping the contract based on concerns over the Customs Department’s claim the buses were shipped from China, said BMTA director Surachai Eamvachirasakul. If the Customs Department officially rules that the buses originated in China and not Malaysia, the BMTA cannot accept the buses, he said BMTA director Surachai Eamvachirasakul. If the Customs Department officially rules that the buses originated in China and not Malaysia, the BMTA cannot accept the buses, he said. This is because the delivery contract signed with Bestlin requires that the buses to be imported from Malaysia. Mr Surachai said the legal questions surrounding the bus-procurement scheme are expected to be cleared up soon.
