From the article

"The cabinet allowed the Treasury Department to select a contractor without a bidding contest. The contractor would pay all the construction costs. The project already underwent an environmental impact assessment, Mr Patchara said.
For transparency, the department would scrutinise the project in accordance with the public-private joint venture law. Specialists from many organisations, including independent ones, would take part in the project's scrutiny, he said.
After completion, the Treasury Department would immediately assume ownership of the tower. The Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation, the contractor, would have the right to use the tower throughout the 30-year period."

Only a tower?

I wonder if anyone sees past the farang price bs and into the excellent work done by the late King's foundation.

Sad money grab is all this is and at the expense of the Thai people.

What excellent work is that?

Proper crop building programs all over the country was what I was thinking of.

There must be more I guess...I'm no expert as you well know.

The strawberries they produce are the best I've had in Asia.

This latest idea however needs some consideration.

^ Last time I looked at the map of the world China was a separate country to Thailand so I suppose they are classed as foreigners.


Regarding the Late King's Royal Projects -

"But what did he ever do for us" ? -

................................."As of 1998, there were 2,159 royal development projects initiated by His Majesty and implemented throughout the country. Most of the projects are aimed at improving the living conditions of his subjects, particularly those in the remote rural areas".........................................

1. Agriculture

2. Environment

3. Public Health

4. Occupational Promotion

5. Water resources

6. Communications

7. Public Welfare...................................................................

www.thaimain.com/eng/monarchy/project.html


Anyone who has spent any time driving around rural Thailand (not up and down Suk in the back of a tuk-tuk) would have seen the result of these Royal Projects.

When I lived in Chiang Rai for four years I spent lots of time driving around the north with my friend from Laos who knew the north better than anyone, and he used to point these projects out to me all the time.
Lots of fabric weaving co-operatives were started this way. I used to source hand woven silk and cotton products for my website and supported them as much as possible.

These projects provided the people who were naturally talented when it came to doing things like weaving, farming, carving etc. with an income the would not have had otherwise, as they were not business-minded.

And at that price, foreigners are getting a bargain at only twice the price. Should be 7000 lolo.