PM urges spending caution

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed government agencies to not overspend on design costs of building construction and restoration projects, many of which are being tabled to cabinet for consideration.

A source at Government House said Gen Prayut urged state agencies to spend frugally and efficiently when it comes to state construction or restoration projects.

He also told state agencies to strictly observe the cabinet’s resolutions, laws and regulations when implementing their projects, according to the source.

Gen Prayut has also suggested government agencies seek advice or consultation from their peers such as the Interior Ministry’s Public Work and Planning or the Culture Ministry which have expertise in design work before using services from the private sector, said the source.

Under ministerial regulations, the design or consultation cost of a project ranges from 1.5% to 8.5% of the total project cost depending on the detail of the design, the source said.

Designs are divided into three categories: simple, elaborate, and highly elaborate.

Simple designs cover simple buildings such as carparks or warehouses while elaborate designs cover multi-function buildings with specific structural requirements and safety features such as high-rises or schools. Highly elaborate designs cover projects that require special expertise or aesthetics such as museums or airports.