Budget crisis engulfs state governor
In a recent development, the governor of Ubon Ratchathani, Adisak Noisuwan, has been moved to an inactive post at the Interior Ministry, following accusations of acting too slowly in disbursing the 100-million-baht emergency allocation intended to assist people affected by the ongoing conflict with Cambodia.
The transfer was ordered by Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, following parliamentary questioning and concerns raised by the House committee on provincial administration about the delayed aid distribution. The committee, led by Bhumjaithai MP Korrawee Prissananantakul, expressed concern about the low distribution amount, which was considered unacceptably low compared to neighboring provinces such as Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Buri Ram.
Despite a special budget of 100 million baht set by the Cabinet for the province, only about 55,600 baht had been disbursed when scrutiny arose. This discrepancy was revealed by the House committee on Wednesday. The administration spent six million baht to cover food, shelter, and survival kits for evacuees through other mechanisms, but the low spending could not be explained by regulation constraints.
Initially, relief efforts were covered by local administrative organizations' budgets, according to Governor Adisak. Clear guidelines had been issued to all governors in a July 29 meeting with the Comptroller General's Department and related agencies. Theerarat Samrejvanich, the deputy Interior Minister, also mentioned the low distribution amount as concerning.
Adisak has stated that 4.7 million baht will be disbursed on Aug 12 for property damage and livestock losses. Public and royal donations have also helped cover relief efforts, with 120,000 meals, valued at 1.2 million baht, prepared through a royal mobile kitchen.
The transfer of Adisak is pending the results of an official investigation into the mishandling of the emergency fund. Interior Minister Phumtham has indicated that a formal order, which could include further steps or committee formation for the investigation, will be announced later. So far, no new fact about the investigation or the transfer of Adisak has been mentioned.
The emergency allocation from the central contingency fund was meant to help residents affected by the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. The delay in disbursement in Ubon Ratchathani was singled out during a special meeting involving officials from affected provinces and related departments, which agreed to ease certain regulations to facilitate advance payments. The other provinces affected by the conflict had already disbursed substantial parts of their emergency funds.
In a positive note, Supplies worth 1.6 million baht from the Thai Red Cross have been distributed, providing some much-needed aid to the affected residents in Ubon Ratchathani. The governor's transfer appears to be a temporary administrative measure while the inquiry proceeds. The public will be updated as more information becomes available.
- Amid concerns about the slow disbursement of emergency funds for residents affected by the conflict with Cambodia, politics surrounding the situation has arisen, with the House committee on provincial administration addressing the low distribution amount in Ubon Ratchathani and questioning officials about general-news related to the delay.
- As the Interior Minister announced the transfer of Governor Adisak due to the mishandling of the emergency fund, the broader context of this political shift includes general-news discussions revolving around the efficient distribution of aid and the overall effectiveness of provincial administration.
