Drought financing has been temporarily halted, not outright eliminated
Tackling the Controversy: Departure of Drought Relief Funds Put on Hold
In a recent turn of events, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has acknowledged the Budget Bureau's notice, which halts the disbursement of a whopping 51 billion baht initially allocated for drought relief. This decision comes amidst an ongoing investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) into potential irregularities surrounding the funds earmarked for the 2025 fiscal year's water management project.
The Budget Bureau has sent out a formal letter instructing local administrative organizations to suspend the spending of the 51 billion baht previously approved under the mid-year budget. Despite this temporary hold, Prasert emphasizes that it's not a budget revocation but a cautionary measure.
Reports suggest that the NACC is in pursuit of claims suggesting internal coordination between MPs to receive an average of 50 million baht in funding proposals. A total of 28,990 proposals were approved under the 2025 fiscal year's drought management scheme, amounting to over 51.5 billion baht.
Accusations fly thick and fast, with allegations of political interference and potential corruption looming large. The investigation dives deep into the approval process, with concerns that it violated Section 144 of the Thai Constitution, which forbids MPs from manipulating budget allocations for personal or political gain.
Amidst mounting allegations and incessant scrutiny, Prasert confirms no budget has been released to local bodies yet. He further adds that delays in the budget's release might hinder immediate assistance for affected communities.
The investigation is currently in the 60-day preliminary fact-checking phase, with more than a hundred individuals under scrutiny. If substantial evidence is unearthed, the case would be forwarded to the Constitutional Court. Depending on the court's ruling, this could result in the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her Cabinet, along with numerous MPs and senators.
In light of this sizzling controversy, the DPM reassures the public that the fund's pause is merely a "wait and see" approach rather than an outright confiscation. For the communities in dire need of aid, however, these delays could prove to be a significant challenge.
- The halt in the disbursement of the drought relief funds has raised questions in the realm of general news, as it intersects with the ongoing investigation in politics over alleged irregularities in the business of finance and water management projects.
- The temporary suspension of the drought relief funds has sparked concerns within the business community and general news outlets, as it potentially points to political interference and corruption in the allocation of public funds.
