Methodology for budget savings
Intervention Mechanism
Use of the CoST methodology, including the infrastructure data standard and independent review oversight, increased transparency in infrastructure procurement. It strengthened competition and encouraged lower contract prices. It also helped improve scrutiny across the project cycle.
Initiative Summary
In Thailand, increased infrastructure transparency was linked to measurable budget savings. The Ministry of Finance reported savings of about US$360 million. CoST linked these savings to stronger disclosure, greater scrutiny, and more competitive bidding. Thailand used the CoST Infrastructure Data Standard and independent reviews to make project and procurement information more visible.
Practice Lesson
This initiative demonstrates how disclosure and external scrutiny can improve procurement outcomes. It can strengthen competition, improve price discipline, and reduce opportunities for misconduct. It is most useful where weak transparency limits market confidence and bidder participation.
Reference
CoST – Infrastructure Transparency Initiative. (2020). CoST impact: Thailand: Saving millions, enabling participation and shifting mindsets. Available from: https://infrastructuretransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Thailand-final.pdf
Supporting References
CoST – Infrastructure Transparency Initiative. (2026, March). Methodology report: Methodology for estimating financial savings resulting from transparency, accountability and participation. Available from: https://infrastructuretransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Methodology-Report-.pdf