Flood Budget Crisis in Thailand: Minister Parador Accuses Opposition of Lying

Thai Prime Minister's Office Minister Parador Prisana Nanthakul, in a statement regarding allegations that the budget allocated to solve the flood problem in the Hat Yai region was cut, accused Democratic Party Songkhla MP Juri Numkaew of misleading the public. The Minister stated that claims suggesting no budget was allocated for flood preventive works do not reflect the truth. She emphasized that the government has taken various steps to solve the floods occurring especially in our region and that central budget funds will be utilized in the process. Parador felt the need to transparently explain all the details regarding the matter with a video she shared on her Facebook account. The official added that politicians should not be allowed to manipulate the public by sharing incomplete or misleading information.

In order to find a definitive solution to the flood problem in the Hat Yai region, a critical meeting was held under the chairmanship of Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. At the meeting, a budget request of 99.5 million Baht was brought up to solve the short, medium, and long-term water problems of the region. However, the government pursued a more comprehensive solution to complete the R.1 canal on a regional scale before the water levels reach dangerous proportions. In this regard, it was planned to allocate 457 million Baht from the central government budget, aiming to complete the works by the end of October. Thus, the region's infrastructure will be strengthened against potential disaster scenarios that the rainfall could bring.

Minister Parador severely criticized the current situation, claiming that the budget items requested by the Hat Yai Municipality lack credibility. According to the allegations, instead of projects aimed at preventing flood disasters, 8 million Baht was requested for the construction of 4 smart classes, the repair of some roads, and surprisingly, the purchase of water winter motorcycles (jetski). Stating that it is unacceptable for the municipality to request equipment such as jetskis at a time when floods should be fought, the Minister expressed that she could not understand for what purpose this was requested. Furthermore, she questioned why these funds were not used, even though the municipality has more than 200 million Baht in its own accumulated money. Parador argued that the current funds should be actively evaluated and spent for the real needs of the local people.

Minister Parador stated that at the core of the current debates lies the fact that politicians distort the truth to act in their own interests. She emphasized that it is unacceptable for some MPs from the party to try to shape public opinion by accusing the government of cutting the budget based on incomplete information they received from local administrations. She stated that the government has mobilized all kinds of resources to protect the people of Hat Yai, but local administrations did not present sufficient preventive projects in this regard. The official claimed that, instead of fulfilling their responsibilities, officials blaming the government is a political tactic. She added that such attitudes hinder the resolution of the region's real problems and will undermine public confidence.

Government officials invited the people of Hat Yai to investigate all dimensions of the issue and question the attitude of local administrations before being deceived by political rhetoric. Minister Parador stated that she always keeps the dialogue open with people known for their informative and strong personalities, but she will also not hesitate to fight those who distort the truth. Emphasizing the importance of the public verifying the accuracy of the information conveyed to them, she touched upon the significance of unity during such critical periods. It was promised that flood problems in Hat Yai would be permanently resolved and that the government would take all necessary steps in this regard. Finally, the public was asked to trust the measures taken by the government and not to give credence to political claims that do not reflect the truth.