Hat Yai Mayor Says Flood Budget Nearly Wiped Out
Hat Yai's mayor says the municipality's flood relief budget for next year was nearly eliminated, leaving only funding for four rubber boats and three dump trucks instead of requested equipment like jet skis. The 2570 budget still awaits fin
At 1:10 p.m. on July 10, 2569, at the water gate in Bang Klam subdistrict, Songkhla province, Hat Yai Municipality Mayor Norprom Na Pattalung gave an interview regarding criticism over the 2570 budget cuts for flood relief in Hat Yai. The mayor stated that the budget was cut entirely. He noted that the smart classroom project belonged to the previous administration under former Mayor Sakorn Thongmuni, not his tenure. The municipality was able to secure only 4 rubber boats, 3 dump trucks, and 1 road project, with approval still pending in next year's budget committee session.
Regarding the jet ski purchase, the mayor said they requested it but the budget was completely cut, leaving only 4 rubber boats. When asked if the jet ski cost 8 million baht as reported, he replied he was unsure, saying the e-bidding price was whatever it was, but it was cut anyway. When asked if he planned to discuss this matter with the prime minister during today's meeting, he said no, he was simply attending as usual.
Addressing claims that the municipality still had 200 million baht in remaining budget, the mayor clarified it has only 42 million baht left. He explained that the previous 200 million had been spent on school repairs, roads, sanitation facilities damaged by flooding, and computer equipment, as well as on canal dredging and water pumps costing over 200 million baht two months ago.
Regarding this year's flood situation, the mayor said they are doing their full duty. He noted that the 2570 budget still needs to pass through committee reviews and 3-4 more meetings. So far, dredging work has covered over 200 kilometers of canals and waterways.
