Investigation Initiated Over Thailand's Agricultural Budget Allocation
Questioning the Phayao Market Investment
A central agricultural market in the northern province of Phayao, allocated 41 million baht for construction, has raised eyebrows among opposition MPs. The investment has been questioned due to its sizeable sum compared to other northern provinces, with some suggesting it may be politically motivated.
The exact reasons behind Phayao's higher investment are not clearly detailed in the available information. However, such decisions often involve strategic planning based on regional needs, infrastructure development priorities, and potential economic impact.
Possible factors contributing to such decisions include the economic potential of Phayao, infrastructure development, and government policy. Phayao might offer unique economic opportunities that are not as prominent in other northern provinces. The investment could be part of broader infrastructure development plans aimed at enhancing agricultural distribution and marketing efficiency in the region. The allocation might align with specific government policies or initiatives focusing on agricultural development in targeted areas.
Witwisit Pansuanpluk, an MP from the People's Party (PP), has raised concerns about the Phayao agricultural market project, suggesting it could lead to market monopolisation. Chetawan Thuaprakhon, another PP MP, has questioned the disproportionate allocation of funds for senior army officers' personal vehicle allowances.
In fiscal 2026, the Royal Thai Army has allocated 240.39 million baht for lump-sum payments in lieu of official vehicles for 694 senior officers. This allocation accounts for nearly half of Or Tor Kor's overall marketing budget, which stands at 62 billion baht.
The budget bill for fiscal year 2026 is 3.78 trillion baht, with the allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives not specified in the provided information.
The value of Phayao's agricultural exports to Laos is three times lower than that of Chiang Rai and Nan, leading some to question the economic reasoning behind the Phayao market location.
Despite the concerns, the fate of the Phayao project remains to be seen. If it fails, it could become an abandoned "ghost market". The House Speaker is Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
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- The questioning of the Phayao Market Investment extends beyond just its sizeable sum, as some policymakers also believe it might be tied to political considerations and possible market monopolization.
- Amidst concerns over the projected Phayao market, debates regarding strategic regional development, general-news, and business, along with the influence of politics, continue to dominate discussions in the House of Representatives.
