BUDGET 2014 DEBATE
Govt has no growth plans or fiscal discipline: Abhisit
Khanittha Thepphajorn

BANGKOK: -- The government still lacks economic strategies and financial discipline, as evident from the 2014 Budget Bill, Democrat Party and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"If you look at the government's numbers in its budget, I want to point to the problem of financial discipline; the government does not control its spending in a way that it is efficient. Besides, the government's income will be low. I cannot see any real strategy to strengthen the economy," he said.

Meanwhile, House committee member vetting the 2014 fiscal budget bill Democrat MP Watchara Pechthong raised questions over Parliament's "unnecessary" and non-transparent spending.

Watchara was speaking during the first day of the House's second reading of the 2014 Budget Bill. The vetting committee decided to propose cuts of Bt31.9 billion in the proposed Bt2.525-trillion annual budget.

Watchara has sought a 0.1-per-cent cut in the 2014 fiscal budget, arguing that many projects proposed by the Secretariat and the Office of the Parliament President were "unnecessary" and non-transparent.

He cited 200 clocks worth Bt75,000 each, a ticket-room for planes, train and buses, Bt5 million to renovate the media room, Bt3.3 million on an excursion to Chaiyaphum province, Bt80 million for microphones and Bt30 million for security cameras.

He said Parliament secretary-general Suwichag Nakwatcharachai claimed that such projects were proposed on orders from the House Speaker and House committees, but Suwichag has failed to produce documents on the procurement procedure.

"I, therefore, propose that the budget is cut because this spending does not respond to the government's policies and leaves loopholes for corruption," he said.

House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont who chaired the meeting swore that he had no knowledge of the procurements cited by Watchara and said he had earlier summoned Suwichag for questioning when the allegation made headline news.

Somsak said Suwichag insisted that all projects were carried out correctly and he has asked him to provide documents.


-- The Nation 2013-08-15

Read my signature, even if said by Ronnie.

Opposition Leader Abhisit is quiet correct, where I differ is not being nice to a very un-professional group of people, the Government has a growth plan alright, to increase profits to their private business empires and to their bank accounts, without being accountable to the good people of Thailand, I appreciate Abhisit's opinion, however, I wish Thai people weren't always so polite, this I feel is the whole crux of this countries problems, they use a wet rag , when the obvious choice should be a machete

With that headline, Mr. Abhisit may have been remarking on the US.

200 clocks @ B75,000 sounds excessive until you realise they are all personally autographed by Mickey Mouse.

BANGKOK: -- The government still lacks economic strategies and financial discipline

The financial discipline is decided in Dubai...The Government haven't got a say in it

They are half way through their term in office why should they all of a sudden care about Thailand.

No reason for that kind of turn around.

I am surprised that they are buying B75,000 clocks. why so cheap?

He cited 200 clocks worth Bt75,000 each, a ticket-room for planes, train and buses, Bt5 million to renovate the media room, Bt3.3 million on an excursion to Chaiyaphum province, Bt80 million for microphones and Bt30 million for security cameras.

UNBE-FREAKIN-LIEVABLE ! What kind of clock costs 75,000 baht !? If it was 200 clocks for 75,000 total then maybe that is reasonable....

Must be Rolex clocks

200 clocks @ B75,000 sounds excessive until you realise they are all personally autographed by Mickey Mouse.

My husband always says time is precious.

Is it possible that this current government is preparing for a change of administration where they may be no longer in control of the states coffers thus their pockets will be empty?

The puppet master and his family along with their brown nosing acolytes will of course be demanding their percentage so of course creative accounting practices will be evident.

Mighty expensive clocks and a ticket room for planes and trains and buses. Surely a messenger team could look after tictet collection and delivery ? This is the 21st century and as such there is an ''eticket ' system in operation too.

A lack of paperwork concerning these matters.

Goodness me surely there isn't a taint of dubious practices scenting the hallowed walls and halls of parliament, is there as we have seen in my own country the U.K. over the years and other states too.?

Edited August 15, 201312 yr by siampolee

Ok Mr. Abhisit ! what's your plan ??? only a military coup can put you to power again , the hole world know that !!!!!

Ok Mr. Abhisit ! what's your plan ??? only a military coup can put you to power again , the hole world know that !!!!!

A military coup didn't put him in power last time.

One of his plans is to save 500 billion baht on high rice prices.

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Ok Mr. Abhisit ! what's your plan ??? only a military coup can put you to power again , the hole world know that !!!!!

A military coup didn't put him in power last time.

One of his plans is to save 500 billion baht on high rice prices.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

It continually amazes me how many people know nothing and post like they know every thing. Abhist was legally elected the Prime Minister in Thailand. He served part of one term and during that term was forced to put down a coup attempt by a bunch of armed people wearing red shirts. It is the real history that the current regime is diligently trying to rewrite being as they supported it.

Aw-Shit !!!