File photo for reference only

 

Phuket's MP, Chalermpong Saengdee, has fiercely criticised Thailand's government for allocating a meagre stimulus handout to the province. Calling it "a betrayal" and "an insult," he expressed outrage after Phuket received just 267.34 million baht (approximately £6.2 million) from the 157-billion-baht (£3.64 billion) national budget, positioning them at 75th out of 77 provinces.

 

Phuket, known for contributing significantly to national tax revenues, has long been touted as a key area for economic innovation and recovery. Yet, these promises seem to have fizzled, with the province receiving merely 0.17% of the stimulus fund. Meanwhile, regions like Nakhon Ratchasima gained a substantial 3.5 billion baht (£81 million), highlighting a stark disparity.

 

"Phuket is frequently cited as an economic powerhouse," Chalermpong noted, "yet the funding allocation paints a different picture entirely. This budget seems less like a thoughtful economic strategy and more as politically motivated spending."

 

The MP accused the government of rewarding loyal provinces while sidelining opposition areas. "Is our exclusion a consequence of political affiliations?" he questioned, highlighting concerns over selective fiscal policies.

 

Chalermpong also warned of broader issues affecting Phuket, such as visa exploitation by illegal tour operators and the unregulated spread of cannabis, which he argues are tarnishing the province's international reputation. "These are national problems," he added, "yet we're expected to manage with the least support."

 

He called for decentralisation, advocating for provinces to have a greater say in shaping their economic destinies. "Local schemes tailored to Phuket's economy would be far more effective than one-size-fits-all plans devised in Bangkok," he argued.

 

Chalermpong painted a vivid picture of missed opportunities, speculating what even a modest share of the national budget could achieve if directly managed by local authorities. "Instead of comprehensive initiatives, we're left to subsist on crumbs," he lamented.

 

The outburst from Phuket's representative underscores a growing sentiment among opposition figures, urging the government to rethink its provincial funding strategies. As tourist numbers continue to rise in Thailand, the pressure for a fair reallocation of resources seems unlikely to abate.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

Another whiner.

 

Phuket actually gets far more income from  tourists than any other province and he STILL wants more from the government.

 

Try cleaning up your province and coming into the 21sr century. You could also try supporting the government, by paying more in than you get back instead of getting your provincial begging bowl out and whining about it.

He could always take a pay cut to help out.

Someone got their cut before it was shared, and not much left.

“Milking the cow without feeding it.”

"Harvesting the orchard but never watering the trees.”

“Draining the well without refilling it.”