Politics Bangkok Council Debates 2026 Budget in Heated Session

[Georgealbert]

1.  

Picture courtesy of The Standard

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Council held an intense second day of debate on 1 August, over the draft expenditure budget for the 2026 fiscal year, with discussions spanning more than six hours and covering a wide range of issues, from education and public spaces to emergency services and public relations spending.

 

One of the key concerns raised by councillors was the apparent duplication of projects, along with suspicions that certain budget items were being used for covert political promotion ahead of the next gubernatorial election.

 

Among the topics debated were the deterioration of sports and recreation centres, waste separation initiatives and the lack of training for waste management personnel. Several councillors backed the “No Mixed Waste” project but pointed out that the number of bins was insufficient and lacked proper categorisation.

 

A councillor from Bangkok Noi District questioned the lack of progress on fire station projects in Sai Mai and Thawi Watthana. In particular, the removal of the Thawi Watthana station from the budget without notifying the project sponsor was criticised as procedurally improper. Other councillors debated the suitability of the proposed location.

 

In response, Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, explained that the Thawi Watthana fire station project faced communication issues between the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The original plan was scrapped due to zoning limitations and the proximity to residential areas. Additionally, the proposed access road would have cost 18 million baht. As a result, the project was withdrawn for review and, if revised, could be reintroduced into the 2026 plan.

 

Lat Phrao District councillor Napak Phengsuk criticised the Bangkok Governor’s Office for what she described as fragmented PR spending. She noted that while the individual projects appeared minor, the combined PR budget totalled 106 million baht, not including amounts tucked into other departments. Napak said the spending lacked clarity, impact metrics, and appeared to repeat similar content, such as the “9 Policies, 9 Goods” campaign and 4.5 million baht earmarked for television communication. She questioned whether these initiatives genuinely reflected public engagement or were simply designed to enhance the governor’s image.

 

“Our governor looks more than ready to campaign. Just look at the PR budget. If anyone wonders whether he’ll run again, I’d say this budget confirms it,” she said.

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt rejected claims of covert electioneering. He defended the communications budget as essential for inclusive urban development, requiring public cooperation and understanding. He insisted that the content contained no campaigning or mention of his name.

 

“The best campaign is to do our job well,” Chadchart said. “It’s not about promoting myself.”

 

Further scrutiny came from the Taling Chan District councillor, who flagged irregularities in the 992-million-baht budget allocated to the Department of Traffic and Transport. Particular concerns were raised about the 223-million-baht budget for CCTV maintenance and the cost of purchasing just 24 computer units and benches.

 

Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon clarified that the CCTV systems include both traffic and security cameras. He explained that the maintenance cost is influenced by the number of units, associated hardware and personnel expenses. While replacing all cameras could be cost-effective long-term, it would require a significant upfront budget, making a gradual upgrade the only viable option.

 

Following the marathon debate, the session was adjourned. The next round of deliberations is scheduled to continue on Monday, 4 August, at 10:00.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from The Standard 2025-08-03