Bangkok: Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has disclosed discrepancies in the signing of documents by Anutin Charnvirakul, with documents not matching those entered in the system.
According to Thai News Agency, Phumtham admitted to allocating local budgets in line with new economic stimulus projects following findings that certain areas within the Bhumjaithai Party had utilized up to 700 million baht.
Phumtham discussed the allocation of a 157,000 million baht budget aimed at stimulating the local economy, with approximately 40,000 million baht under scrutiny during the recent cabinet meeting. He emphasized his role in addressing and resolving issues within the Department of Local Administration, highlighting past concentration of local budget adjustments that led to various problems. Local administrative organizations have raised concerns, noting discrepancies in budget allocation, with some areas receiving disproportionately large amounts, such as Buriram and Surin. Two Democrat Party ministers, Decha-ism Khaothong and Chaichana Dechadecho, voiced concerns over the concentration of budgets and the absence of equitable distribution.
As for the economic stimulus budget, Phumtham revealed that all budget-related matters were returned to the Ministry of Interior and the Budget Bureau, where it was discovered that Anutin Charnvirakul had signed documents not aligned with those in the system. The Screening Subcommittee has sent the documents back to the Ministry of Interior for further review. The matter currently resides with the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, raising concerns over potential delays.
Regarding discrepancies in steps and numbers, Phumtham deferred inquiries to the Budget Bureau, stating his role was limited to receiving reports. When questioned about the allocation of local budgets for new economic stimulus projects, Phumtham indicated the matter resides with the Budget Bureau, acknowledging existing concerns about appropriateness.
Addressing speculations on budget allocation within the Bhumjaithai Party area, Phumtham cautioned against excessive focus on such matters, suggesting it could lead to perceptions of internal conflict.