Ubon Ratchathani: “MP Nan” Bhumjaithai Party criticizes the local government budget for its inequitable distribution, highlighting hidden government expenses that hinder area development, and calls for adjustments to budget plans to address flooding issues.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai, MP for Ubon Ratchathani from the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed approval of the 2026 budget expenditure but raised concerns regarding the budget management plan. She emphasized the need to scrutinize the 107 billion baht allocated for water resource management. Ms. Nan pointed out that while there are numerous large-scale projects aimed at addressing flooding in various provinces, Ubon Ratchathani, being the last province to handle massive water inflow from the Mun and Chi Rivers, lacks a clear short-term plan for managing waterways. She highlighted the complexity of responsibilities among different agencies, such as the Marine Department and local administrative organizations, which complicates effective canal management and dredging. Concerns were raised about potential legal repercussions if dredged soil is improperly relocated.

Ms. Nan acknowledged the necessity of the Marine Department’s focus on major water routes but noted persistent issues with smaller canals. She warned that if primary canals drain faster than secondary routes, it could exacerbate flooding. While nearly 10 billion baht is earmarked for project studies within the water resource management budget, only 700 million baht is allocated for immediate needs like dredging to create water storage areas.

Ms. Nan urged government agencies to prioritize tangible solutions for recurring and unusual disasters. She criticized the current budget as a mere aggregation of figures, lacking genuine problem-solving strategies. She called for methodological improvements and urged for budget adjustments to respond effectively to evolving situations.

Ms. Nan further criticized the centralization of power within local administrative organizations, describing it as an unfair distribution of resources. She noted that out of a total budget of 380,000 million baht, substantial amounts are tied up in government policies, resulting in limited funds for actual area development. She advocated for a shift in approach, emphasizing the importance of listening to provincial issues to develop targeted solutions instead of recycling ineffective strategies.