Bangkok: "Lisa" has publicly condemned the government's approach to distributing provincial budgets, emphasizing that it exacerbates inequality and fails to address local issues. She highlighted a lack of investment in projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the southern border provinces, noting that the majority of funds are allocated to infrastructure projects such as road and building construction.
According to Thai News Agency, during the third day of the House of Representatives meeting to discuss the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, the second deputy speaker, presided over the session. Ms. Phakamon Nunanan, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, criticized the Ministry of Interior's budget allocation of 26.5 billion baht, arguing that the focus on large cities has widened the socio-economic gap. The World Bank reports that approximately 70% of government spending occurs in Bangkok, leaving many other regions underdeveloped, particularly border and southern provinces. Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, has expressed an understanding of this issue, pledging to create opportunities nationwide. However, Ms. Phakamon argues that the current allocation method is ineffective in enhancing citizens' quality of life and largely benefits infrastructure projects.
Ms. Phakamon asserts that the current budget allocation empowers governors, appointed by the Interior Ministry, who lack local connections and understanding. This approach reinforces inequality as wealthier provinces receive more funds. She urged the government to prioritize solving regional disparities and to promote collective growth without leaving anyone behind. She emphasized the importance of reallocating the budget to address inequality and foster opportunities for the populace.
Highlighting regional disparities, Ms. Phakamon pointed out that provinces like Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, and Uthai Thani have advanced due to significant investment in infrastructure. In contrast, southern border provinces suffer from severe inequality, with no budget for improving quality of life or education. Similarly, northeastern provinces like Bueng Kan and Nong Bua Lamphu face healthcare shortages, yet the budget focuses on infrastructure rather than public health. The southern region's budget, earmarked for tourism development, is predominantly used for construction projects.
Ms. Phakamon concluded that the current budget allocation reflects political power imbalances and mission duplications. She called for a more creative use of provincial budgets to meet local needs, emphasizing the importance of involving local communities in decision-making. She advocated for transferring budget management to local administrative organizations, which are more attuned to community needs, rather than routing funds through governors, thus promoting true decentralization and preventing citizens from being left behind.