Bangkok: "Prasert" acknowledged that the Budget Bureau has informed local administrative organizations to suspend the use of a 51 billion baht budget to solve the drought problem. Mr. Prasert Jantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, discussed the matter, emphasizing concerns over the potential inability of these funds to aid citizens as intended.
According to Thai News Agency, the Budget Bureau issued a directive to the mayors of local administrative organizations (LAOs) who were allocated funds from the 2025 central budget to address drought and late rain issues. The directive asked them to withdraw approval and reassess the necessity of the expenditure. Prasert clarified that this was not a confiscation of funds but rather a precautionary measure. He noted that the specific area affected by the directive was not recalled.
Prasert also addressed inquiries regarding a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation into alleged corruption within the 51 billion baht water resource management budget plan, which was filed under Section 144 of the Constitution. He confirmed that he had not been informed of such an investigation.
In response to questions about whether the budget had been disbursed, Prasert confirmed that no disbursement had occurred. He stated that a letter had been sent to local governments advising them not to proceed with any budgetary actions until further notice.
Prasert assured that the government remains committed to assisting citizens and that further clarification on the budget's deployment would be provided in due course. He refuted claims that the budget was allocated to benefit areas represented by Pheu Thai MPs, asserting that the funds were derived from a central budget intended for all affected regions.
When questioned about the identity of the petitioner opposing the budget, Prasert indicated he was aware of the individual but confirmed that the petitioner held no official position. There was uncertainty regarding the petitioner's motives, whether to block the Interior Ministry seat or the budget allocation.