Loei Province Backs Down on 'Bun Sam Ha' Festival After Public Outcry Over 5.4 Million Baht Budget
Loei Province suspended its 5.4 million baht 'Bun Sam Ha' festival after public complaints over the budget during economic hardship, with plans to redesign the event with lower costs for a June reschedule.
After announcing plans to hold the traditional 'Bun Sam Ha' festival from June 12-14 to preserve and promote local culture with expected participation from 15,000 dancers representing 14 districts, Loei Province faced public backlash and complaints to anti-corruption agencies questioning whether the 5.4 million baht budget was justified given the government's current economic situation and debt obligations.
In response, Deputy Governor Pririn Limcharoen revealed that Governor Chaiyaphat Charoenpong has ordered the culture department to suspend the event's Terms of Reference and project details. A meeting was scheduled for May 18 to completely redesign the festival format with a committee comprising government representatives, private sector officials, citizens, and local wisdom-keepers. The new format and budget will be determined at that meeting, with the event tentatively rescheduled for June 29-30 instead of the original dates.
