Democrats Tour Flood Reservoir, Push For Pump Funding
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva toured a flood-prevention reservoir in Hatyai and urged the government to approve funding for water pumps and infrastructure upgrades to address the province's persistent flooding problems.
Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader and list MP, dismissed claims by fellow MP Paradorn Prissananantakul, cautioning against conflating separate budget matters. He led Democrat lawmakers to inspect the Kaeng-Ling-Klonglian water retention basin—designed to slow runoff from upper areas and prevent rapid flooding of Hatyai's economic zone—at 6 PM on July 11. Khohong Mayor Thevisak Theeratana presented the municipality's concerns and requested assistance, including procurement of ten water pumps.
Abhisit stated that Hatyai's flooding problem has been wrongly portrayed as a political dispute when both parties are simply performing their duties. He noted that initial disaster response focused on economic remedies, but timing remained problematic due to uncertainty about rainfall patterns.
Abhisit highlighted that following the election, both Democrats and opposition raised concerns about the province's preparedness. Parliamentary discussions began in May, with MPs Joury Noomkaew and Saksit Khaothong citing examples like Klong Ror 1. The Prime Minister visited on July 10, and the government had planned a cabinet meeting in early June but cancelled it, citing incomplete project vetting.
As budgetary discussions extended into July, Joury spoke clearly about flood concerns, referencing the budget crisis—particularly debates about candle-lighting expenses—which prompted an emotional government response. This prompted the Prime Minister to visit and approve approximately 400 million baht, pending cabinet confirmation. An emergency fund of 99.5 million baht from private-sector assistance was also approved for urgent priorities.
Abhisit told Pradorn not to conflate separate issues, noting the project is centrally funded but involves distinct components requiring budget approval and upgrades. He emphasized the opposition performed its duty fully and appreciated the government's eventual response to two to three months of advocacy, particularly regarding Klong Ror 1. He urged the government to expedite cabinet approval, as remaining amounts exceed the Prime Minister's sole authority to approve.
