Yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy.

 

Thavisin’s statements followed the NSPDC’s second meeting, which concluded on November 30. The committee proposed a sizeable budget of 5.164 billion baht to bolster various domains including festival events (1 billion baht/US$28 million), culinary affairs (1 billion baht), tourism (711 million baht/US$20 million), entertainment (545 million baht/US$15.4 million), sports (500 million baht/US$14 million), Thai arts (380 million baht/US$10.7 million), creative design (310 million baht/US$8.7 million), music (144 million baht/US$4 million), and books (69 million baht/US$1.9 million), reported by Bangkok Post.

 

Despite his affirmation of the committee’s endeavours, the prime minister articulated a need for budget revision. Affirming the involvement of pertinent ministries in the revision process, he confirmed that representatives from the Culture Ministry and the Tourism and Sports Ministry would participate in the budget’s reassessment.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Government

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-12-05

 

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5 minutes ago, webfact said:

Yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC).

I think it has been clear for some time that most of these projects are just siphoning money away to be divided up later. This is a move that will make him incredibly unpopular with all the corrupt politicians out there in the land of smiles.

 

Good for him. As long as he doesn't piss it away on another stupid scheme that is. :)

Interesting, as the person in charge of the soft power nonsense is none other than Sheeitta's chief rival, Paetongtarn "Ung Ing I love bling" Shinawat, head Nepobabe and PM in waiting.

First ports of call for desperate politicians.....foreign aid then arts and culture.

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to revise the substantial sum of 5.1 billion baht (US$145 million), originally designated for the promotion initiatives of national art and culture by the National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC). The prime minister expressed the need for judicious use of the funds to maximise efficacy.

Like bribing the farmers not to burn?

6 hours ago, webfact said:

5.164 billion baht to bolster for festival events, culinary tourism entertainment, sports Thai arts, creative design, music and books..

Salary for pensioner like farmers;

500.-/month.

Education System Reform;  0.-

 

Go figure !

Edited December 5, 20232 yr by Tarteso

7 hours ago, hughrection said:

I think it has been clear for some time that most of these projects are just siphoning money away to be divided up later. This is a move that will make him incredibly unpopular with all the corrupt politicians out there in the land of smiles.

 

Good for him. As long as he doesn't piss it away on another stupid scheme that is. :)

Sure. 

Yet, isn't that what politicking and government is all about...and their principle practices. Scamming the good people for their self interest under the guise of assorted policies and whatnot. The age old tradition and practice the world over.