MP Challenges Independent Agencies' Budget Spending

During a July 1, 2025 parliamentary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Loetsak Pattanachaikul, the House of Representatives considered the fiscal year 2570 budget bill worth 3.788 trillion baht, proposed by the Cabinet on July 3.

Panida Mongkolswat, a Samut Prakan MP from the Pheu Thai Party, debated the budgets of three independent agencies: the Election Commission (EC), the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and the State Audit Office (SAO). These agencies collectively received over 10.195 billion baht to maintain political integrity. However, she argued that over the years, these budgets have not been spent efficiently on core missions, and these agencies face questions about transparency and low public confidence, yet no oversight mechanism exists to balance their power.

During her speech, Panida displayed images of ballots used in Senate selection, pointing out irregularities: the ballots were pre-printed with numbered tables and the voting results matched perfectly—odds comparable to winning the lottery jackpot 70 consecutive times. She questioned how the public could trust the EC's electoral transparency given this evidence.

Panida further stated that given the controversial origins of the current Senate, and that the Senate must approve appointees to independent agencies, how can citizens trust their neutrality and independence?

Sanong Thepaksornrang, a Buri Ram MP from the Palang Pracharath Party, objected, arguing her remarks fell outside the budget bill's scope and that Senate selection matters were already under legal process.

Panida then criticized the NACC, alleging it protects corruption by failing to investigate former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob regarding asset disclosure, despite a Constitutional Court ruling on his stock-hiding case.

Sanong protested again, citing off-topic discussion and explicit mention of an outsider. Chair Loetsak warned Panida about external references and urged her to stay on point.

Panida continued, noting the NACC typically conducts thorough investigations but had not done preliminary checks or questioned involved parties in this case, despite public attention. She presented a blurred image of Saksayam.

When Sanong objected to external images in her presentation, Chair Loetsak ruled against displaying outside individuals. Ekkarat Udoamnauy, a Bangkok MP from Pheu Thai, protested the chair's impartiality, noting the image was blurred and unidentifiable. He requested the chair and objector allow the discussion to proceed. Loetsak clarified that unblurred external images are prohibited, but blurred ones that cannot be identified are permitted, though he preferred avoiding them.