Bangkok: The Comptroller General's Department has announced a relaxation of procurement guidelines to expedite flood relief efforts in the southern region. This move aims to enable the government to address the flooding crisis efficiently and provide timely support to affected communities.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Patricia Mongkolvanich, Director-General of the Comptroller General's Department, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that severe flooding has resulted in significant damage to both public and government properties. The relaxed guidelines are designed to prevent delays typical of conventional procurement processes, ensuring quicker response times and minimizing further damage.
The guidelines stipulate that government agencies involved in flood management and relief efforts can consider all procurements as urgent. These must comply with the Ministry of Finance regulations on procurement, specifically Section 79, paragraph two. Additionally, pre-payment to sellers or contractors is permitted without the usual requirement for a security deposit.
Government agencies are also required to announce selection results quarterly. For agencies not directly involved but wishing to assist, procurement must follow specific methods outlined in Section 56, paragraph one (2) (d).
Post-flood, agencies aiming to restore property must adhere to procurement limits and methods based on the cost involved, either under or exceeding 500,000 baht, as per the guidelines specified in Section 56.
Contracts affected by the flooding will see waivers or reductions in fines, or extensions in working hours, following directives from the Government Procurement and Supplies Management Problem Resolution Committee.
These measures are effective until February 25, 2026, and are expected to streamline procurement processes, ensuring that government agencies can swiftly and effectively assist flood victims during this critical period.