'Happy' lights bring misery

Former Bangkok governor, Sukhumbhand Paribatra, during the opening of the decorative lighting show in front of City Hall in 2016. The National Anti-Corruption Commission ruled four officials involved in the project were guilty of malfeasance and has ordered a further probe against the former governor. Wichan Charoenkiatpakul

5The 39-million-baht light decoration known as "Bangkok Light of Happiness", despite its glittering facade, has brought only unhappiness to every party involved in the project.

In November, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that four BMA officials were guilty of corruption in relation to the project. The City fired them as a result.

The NACC also ordered another probe to find out whether former BMA governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra was guilty of dereliction of duty in failing to examine irregularities in the project.

The lighting decoration was installed in front of City Hall during the 2016 New Year festival. A BMA survey revealed the show drew 1.67 million tourists in a one-month period. As a result, the BMA argued the cost per person was only 20 baht.

Regardless of the benefit to the city, the project has the potential to cause more trouble for MR Sukhumbhand in years to come. If found guilty by the graft watchdogs, his political career is likely to come to an abrupt halt.