Hat Yai Mayor Says Reserve Funds Down To 42 Million
Hat Yai's mayor says the municipality's reserve funds have dwindled to just 42 million baht after spending on flood repairs and emergency infrastructure work, following significant central budget cuts to disaster preparedness equipment requ
Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Pattalung, nicknamed "Plad Paen," gave a detailed interview on July 10 addressing the controversy surrounding equipment purchases for flood preparedness and questions about the municipality's accumulated funds.
Regarding allegations about an "smart classroom" project, Narongporn confirmed it occurred under former mayor Sakorn Thongmuni, not during his tenure, and suggested inquiries be directed to his predecessor. Concerning requests for disaster relief equipment, particularly jet skis, the mayor stated the municipality formally requested funding due to operational necessity. However, the central authorities completely cut this budget allocation during the e-bidding review process.
"Whatever we request gets cut," Narongporn said, noting that only four rubber boats, three ten-wheel trucks, and one road project remain approved, with budgets extending through 2027 and facing potential further cuts through three to four more committee reviews.
When asked if the budget cuts were discouraging, the mayor responded pragmatically that they would work with whatever funding is provided and manage resources accordingly.
Addressing government claims that Hat Yai still has over 200 million baht in reserves, Narongporn challenged officials to verify the figures, explaining that the 200 million figure was from two to three months earlier. He detailed that the municipality spent funds on emergency repairs to schools, roads, health centers damaged by flooding, computer equipment replacements, canal dredging, and water pump purchases. Current accumulated reserves now stand at only 42 million baht, which he invited authorities to audit.
Meanwhile, Songkhla opposition MP Juri Numkaeo noted that Hat Yai suffered severe flooding affecting over 200,000 residents with extensive infrastructure damage. He stated that 160 million baht of the original 200 million in reserves had already been spent on repairs, leaving the municipality with insufficient funds, while nearly all requested budget allocations were cut.
