The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration says there's no evidence to suggest any of its officials took Bt125 million in kickbacks to award a Bt20-billion drainage contract.

A former Nishimatsu Construction executive has told prosecutors in Japan it paid the sweetener to BMA officials in 2003. The company and local giant Italian-Thai formed a joint venture that won the tender.

"To date, we have detected nothing to substantiate the allegations. But we are still waiting for information from the Japanese embassy," Bangkok city clerk Pongsak Semsant says.

At the time of the alleged bribe, the Bangkok governor was current PM Samak Sundaravej.

"The Japanese embassy has yet to give us any information," Governor Apirak Kosayodhin says.

He adds the Nishimatsu office in Thailand says it has no information about the allegations.

NCCC

The findings of the BMA internal inquiry will be passed to the National Counter Corrup-tion Commission.

A summary of these says the flood-prevention drainage works at Bueng Kum, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Lat Phrao, Suang Luang and Saphan Sung districts were put out to tender, in line with regulations.

In May 2003, five bids were submitted. Three satisfied technical requirements.

The Japan-Thailand joint venture was the lowest bidder and won the contract.

Failed bidders complained to the BMA and the Administra-tive Court, where two were dismissed.

The successful complainant failed at trial, the ruling on which was handed down in September last year.