Bangkok: "Pai Lik" has clarified that the budget for the governor's residence was reduced prior to media reports, emphasizing the legislative duty to ensure value in public spending.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pai Lik, MP for Kamphaeng Phet and Secretary-General of the Kla Tham Party, explained via a Facebook post that the budget for the provincial governor's mansion, which faced public scrutiny, was initially prepared by the Ministry of Interior and evaluated by the Budget Bureau. He highlighted that during the subcommittee review, any budget deemed excessive or unnecessary was cut to ensure value and transparency.
Mr. Pai clarified that MP Petchphum of the Klatham Party, a member of the reviewing subcommittee, had already reduced the budget 'before the news was published.' He expressed surprise at the presentation of the issue as if the budget was still intact.
Mr. Pai stressed that budget proposals are the responsibility of the government, while budget considerations and reductions fall within the legislative branch's duties, a routine process occurring annually. He emphasized that this procedure is devoid of any personal or group involvement.
In his role on the subcommittee, Mr. Pai noted that he has previously cut unnecessary budgets, regardless of the proposing agency, and that large projects have been reduced when justified. He acknowledged public concern over budget cuts affecting beneficial projects while inefficient ones remain, urging transparency and accountability in legislative processes. Mr. Pai also expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance and extended support to officials working for the public good.