Construction work in Bangkok is historically slow, whether it is burying cables underground, opening new roads, or, in this case, the reopening of Samut Prakarn Observation Tower.
Thirteen years after plans were drawn up and 10 years after construction work began the building will finally open to the public on August 22.
Last month, a Facebook page, Must Share, ต้องแฉ raised questions about the length of time it took for the project to be completed.
“The project took almost 600 million baht, but no one knows when it will be finished. And no one knows whether it will be worth the money or not. The relevant departments, please investigate and clarify to the public.”
The tower project was approved in 1999 with a budget of 592,800,000 baht, and construction started on September 27, 2012. The plan divided the area inside the tower into four parts, including the children’s discovery museum, Samut Prakarn provincial museum, library, and a viewpoint area.
On July 4, the Director of Samut Prakarn Provincial Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Bordin Kreethathorn, investigated the tower following public complaints.
Bordin’s investigation revealed on the NACC website, reported that the construction of the tower had been completed a long time ago. However, the delay was because of work on the building’s electric systems, air-conditioners, and interior decoration.
On July 20, the tower’s official Facebook page posted a message “Samut Prakarn Observation Tower is pleased to welcome visitors on August 22, 2022.” The page added that an exhibition about the province’s history would accompany the opening too.
The observation tower can be reached by the BTS Skytrain. It is located about 550 metres from Pak Nam BTS Station. Aside from the beautiful view from the tower, visitors can relax by the Chao Phraya River at Samut Prakan Riverside Public Space which is located nearby.
The official name of the observation tower is reported to be Samut Prakarn Learning Park and City Observation. The tower was constructed on a 20,800 square metres area in the central province of Samut Prakarn near Bangkok.
SOURCE: Channel 8 | Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission | ต้องแฉ