Deputy Government Spokesman Defends Government's Budget Spending on Executive Dinner, Dismisses Academic Critic

On May 17, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesman Ploytaale Laksameesangjun addressed criticism from Pichaya Rattandilek, a former dean and curriculum specialist in politics and development strategy at Phuket, who questioned the government's spending on a May 15 executive dinner given the country's need to borrow 400 billion baht, asking "How much budget was used for the evening event?" The spokesman clarified that the dinner budget came from the Prime Minister's Office operational funds, a support unit for the Prime Minister's governance operations, and emphasized that all spending is carefully considered for maximum benefit to the nation and people.

Ploytaale explained that the dinner for executives from 10 key industrial sectors provided an opportunity for hotel management students from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to demonstrate their skills and practical capabilities. Rather than luxurious catering, the government served Thai fusion cuisine using domestic ingredients to encourage Thai consumers to support local agricultural products and help Thai farmers. The government did not employ famous hotel catering services and avoided lavish spending as some feared, but instead created a direct learning experience to build student confidence and prepare them for quality job market entry, which serves as a foundation for strengthening the country's long-term competitive capability.

"The government manages budgets economically with careful consideration of benefits received. I ask Associate Professor Pichaya not to be concerned. If this dinner budget matter troubles you, please use your time to create meaningful contributions to society so you can dedicate efforts to benefit the nation and its people," Ploytaale concluded.