Democrat Leader Hits Government Over Low Budgets, Stalled Obligations

Abhisit Vejjajiva questioned why the government failed to cut funding for the Land Bridge study project despite the Finance Ministry acknowledging it lacks cost-effectiveness, accusing the administration of setting minimal budgets that create massive future liabilities and benefit private contractors.

On September 8, parliament's House of Representatives held its second and third readings of the 2570 fiscal-year budget bill totaling 3.78 trillion baht after the special budget committee completed its review. At 14:30, Abhisit Vejjajiva, a Democrat Party list-based member and party leader, debated Article 15 concerning the Transport Ministry, noting he had filed an amendment seeking a 10 percent budget reduction. He expressed concern about the ministry's performance, observing that it continuously announces policies and projects, especially when the transport minister travels to different provinces on inspections or official visits. However, these announcements do not match the actual budget allocations visible in this year's budget, raising questions about whether the committee systematically reviewed the ministry's budget allocation and how well it addresses government communication with the public.

Abhisit noted that the government previously faced heavy criticism over the Land Bridge project and efforts to link both sides of the sea. A cabinet-appointed committee later studied its cost-effectiveness alongside consideration of the Southern Economic Corridor or SEC development. After numerous objections regarding the Land Bridge's viability and concerns about environmental damage from the SEC, the government committee acknowledged the concerns raised about the Land Bridge's cost-effectiveness.

Yet it remains strange that funding for the Land Bridge study still appears in the budget after committee review, though in a small amount. Abhisit questioned why it was left in place. He noted that while the committee might claim it only had one or two days to consider the matter before a subcommittee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayasth reached conclusions, it should be within the committee's power to reconsider and strike the item after learning of the subcommittee's decision. He asked whether the item was retained because there was insufficient time to cut it or whether it was deliberately left as a seed project to advance later.

Abhisit stated that the government announces projects in various provinces without having allocated budgets for them, and the budgets that do exist focus on road construction, as opposition members and the minority committee faction have repeatedly discussed. "Currently, projects are approved as seeds kept at the minimum level, yet they create massive budget commitments as burdens for future fiscal years, raising further suspicion about whether the projects the government advertises across different areas will have budgets in subsequent years," he said.

Abhisit called for clarification on whether project approvals reflected government intentions or advertising claims. Otherwise, it would reinforce opposition concerns that project approvals appear designed to benefit specific capital groups or contractors. Meanwhile, eastern region problems have grown heavier following issues with the three-airport rail link, while Thailand needs economic engines with adequate development and infrastructure to address resulting environmental concerns. This lack of clarity and certainty prevents any clear sense of direction.