NLA targets Bt17-billion reduction

[Lite Beer]

NATIONAL BUDGET
NLA targets Bt17-billion reduction
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Budget committee proposes biggest slash for central govt budget; transport, defence and tourism to also see cuts

The National Legislative Assembly is seeking to reduce the annual national budget bill for fiscal 2015 by making cuts in many areas - including defence, education and tourism promotion.

NLA president Pornpetch Vichitcholchai will convene a meeting of the assembly on Tuesday at 1pm to consider the Bt2.57 trillion bill. The next fiscal year begins on October 1.

The assembly's budget committee has targeted a total budget reduction of Bt16.8 billion. The top five areas to be affected by the proposed budget cuts include the central government budget, which would be cut by Bt6.2 billion. The cut would affect the salary adjustment of some officials.

The proposed cut for the Transport Ministry is Bt1.6 billion. This would affect, among other things, seminars, training, hiring consultants and conducting environmental impact assessment studies.

The state enterprises budget would be cut by Bt1 billion, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand's budget would have Bt32 million slashed from the originally proposed Bt6.5 billion. This would affect expanding the base of quality tourists and the development of tourism competitiveness.

The Sports Authority of Thailand may lose Bt893,200 of the Bt3.7 billion originally proposed. This would affect the budget for Asean-level development of athletes.

The National Housing Authority could lose Bt37 million of Bt920 million. This would impact the development of strong low-income communities and the repair budget for NHA buildings.

As for farmers, the support fund for rubber farmers would be reduced by Bt750,000 while the Interior Ministry budget would be cut by Bt1 billion, impacting on construction projects, seminars and training, including overseas exposure trips for officials, and community planning in bordering areas.

As for the Education Ministry, the proposed cut is Bt919 million and would mostly affect seminars and training, overseas trips and the construction of dormitory and classrooms.

For the Defence Ministry, a Bt550-million cut is proposed from Bt193 billion originally proposed. The Royal Aide de Camp Department may lose Bt3.1 million.

Six projects of the Army could lose Bt435 million while the Air Force may have Bt7.1 million stripped from its Bt1.9-billion budget.

The assembly's budget committee will also note that the various agencies need to coordinate their work to avoid additional expenditure.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NLA-targets-Bt17-billion-reduction-30243223.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[PaullyW]

The National Legislative Assembly is seeking to reduce the annual national budget bill for fiscal 2015 by making cuts in many areas - including defense, education and tourism promotion

TAT will not like this at all! Wonder what they will spin.

TAT: "Tourism expected to rise to 50% of total GDP this year up from 6% last year with approval for additional marketing schemes such as: 'Cum to Amazing Thailand'"

[terryp]

For the Defence Ministry, a Bt550-million cut is proposed from Bt193 billion originally proposed. The Royal Aide de Camp Department may lose Bt3.1 million.

Six projects of the Army could lose Bt435 million while the Air Force may have Bt7.1 million stripped from its Bt1.9-billion budget.

In reality this is almost NOTHING....got to keep the War mongers happy

[NongKhaiKid]

For the Defence Ministry, a Bt550-million cut is proposed from Bt193 billion originally proposed. The Royal Aide de Camp Department may lose Bt3.1 million.

Six projects of the Army could lose Bt435 million while the Air Force may have Bt7.1 million stripped from its Bt1.9-billion budget.

In reality this is almost NOTHING....got to keep the War mongers happy

Oh yes, the military loves it's toys and govt after govt has happily fallen in line to try and keep them onside.

It's hard to imagine who LoS plans to invade or who they fear..

[chainarong]

They could axe the conscription and no one would give a primeval Sh!!t , this interferes with those in university , as not all courses are available through the forces, and the generals don't want them plus the conscripts don't want to be there, all this honour rubbish went out with buckled up boots, you can read about it on IPod , get the drift. Thailand needs to reduce its Military to a lean mean fighting machine , no one is going to invade Thailand, it has no military significance except maybe to visit the Bars at the TAT tourist spots, then again, maybe the threat is from within.

[fab4]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Edited September 14, 2014 by fab4

[rubl]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Do some more reading to keep up-to-date. Like starting with the article to which you provided a link

"The two standard-gauge routes are seen to replace the much-criticised high-speed train project initiated by the Yingluck government involving four routes, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Rayong, Bangkok to Nong Khai, and Bangkok to Padang Besar."

The high-speed plan is somewhat modified from the original plan and now a double-track max 160 km/h speed link. Also the budget is spread out over EIGHT years. Over 2014/2015 the first installment included in the National Budget.

Edited September 14, 2014 by rubl

[rubl]

They could axe the conscription and no one would give a primeval Sh!!t , this interferes with those in university , as not all courses are available through the forces, and the generals don't want them plus the conscripts don't want to be there, all this honour rubbish went out with buckled up boots, you can read about it on IPod , get the drift. Thailand needs to reduce its Military to a lean mean fighting machine , no one is going to invade Thailand, it has no military significance except maybe to visit the Bars at the TAT tourist spots, then again, maybe the threat is from within.

Assuming you're not as radical as suggesting the Army should be abolished, the alternative would be an Army consisting completely of professionals. Similar to the Netherlands where the draft system was put on hold.

Personally I think we need a few reforms before I even want to imagine the possibilities in / for Thailand

Edited September 14, 2014 by rubl

[Thai at Heart]

The cost of printing this article is greater than some of these cuts.

[fab4]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Do some more reading to keep up-to-date. Like starting with the article to which you provided a link

"The two standard-gauge routes are seen to replace the much-criticised high-speed train project initiated by the Yingluck government involving four routes, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Rayong, Bangkok to Nong Khai, and Bangkok to Padang Besar."

The high-speed plan is somewhat modified from the original plan and now a double-track max 160 km/h speed link. Also the budget is spread out over EIGHT years. Over 2014/2015 the first installment included in the National Budget.

Yes I see now - the've modified it so that there is a link to the infamous Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Great, except that the junta have agreed to go ahead with the Dawei Deep Water Port and Heavy Industrial Complex in Burma ( http://www.news.nom.co/ncpo-approves-stalled-dawei-project-11591270-news/ ). The transfer of freight to the Dawei port would reduce the shipping time, and therefore costs of having to go through the Malacca Straights.

So why on earth are they planning a high speed line to Map Ta Phut?

Edited September 14, 2014 by fab4

[rubl]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Do some more reading to keep up-to-date. Like starting with the article to which you provided a link

"The two standard-gauge routes are seen to replace the much-criticised high-speed train project initiated by the Yingluck government involving four routes, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Rayong, Bangkok to Nong Khai, and Bangkok to Padang Besar."

The high-speed plan is somewhat modified from the original plan and now a double-track max 160 km/h speed link. Also the budget is spread out over EIGHT years. Over 2014/2015 the first installment included in the National Budget.

Yes I see now - the've modified it so that there is a link to the infamous Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Great, except that the junta have agreed to go ahead with the Dawei Deep Water Port and Heavy Industrial Complex in Burma ( http://www.news.nom.co/ncpo-approves-stalled-dawei-project-11591270-news/ ). The transfer of freight to the Dawei port would reduce the shipping time, and therefore costs of having to go through the Malacca Straights.

So why on earth are they planning a high speed line to Map Ta Phut?

It would seem the "Dawei" thing is pushed as 'private investment'. That would mean the Thai government can take care of those things the private sector is less interested in.

So, Thai government invests to improve link with Thai Industrial Area. Sounds about right, don't you think?

[CWMcMurray]

Budget cuts for the Defense Ministry... Guess that proves many on TV wrong

[brucec64]

Budget cuts for the Defense Ministry... Guess that proves many on TV wrong

The Nation article is slightly misleading. The BP has a more detailed report on this story. The budget reduction is not an NLA initiative, but has been done as a directive from the NCPO. The budget will not actually be reduced, but the funds will instead be divereted to a contingency fund.

So, the NLA continues to be a rubber stamp operation.

It will be interesting to see where the "contingency funds" end up. Defence funds have been cut 0.2%, but the NCPO now controls an additional 8% of the Defence budget.

Seems like a win for the Defence Ministry. Not sure who has been proved wrong.

[fab4]

Yes I see now - the've modified it so that there is a link to the infamous Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Great, except that the junta have agreed to go ahead with the Dawei Deep Water Port and Heavy Industrial Complex in Burma ( http://www.news.nom.co/ncpo-approves-stalled-dawei-project-11591270-news/ ). The transfer of freight to the Dawei port would reduce the shipping time, and therefore costs of having to go through the Malacca Straights.

So why on earth are they planning a high speed line to Map Ta Phut?

It would seem the "Dawei" thing is pushed as 'private investment'. That would mean the Thai government can take care of those things the private sector is less interested in.

So, Thai government invests to improve link with Thai Industrial Area. Sounds about right, don't you think?

Not if there is no point in it.

The "Dawei thing" is being touted as a replacement of the highly polluting Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. The Thai government have a 50/50 stake with Burma in Dawei SEZ Development Co which has a 75 year concession from Burmas government to develop the special economic zone and deep water port. The initial stake is 12 Million Baht but the previous concession holders, Ital-Thai estimated that development costs needed for the 128,171 rai site would be $9 Billion US. I'd say that the Thai government will have a considerable interest in Dawei.

ITD president Premchai Kanasutra accepted that switching the concession from his company to DSEZ would make the project viable, and that government cooperation would build confidence with foreign investors.

Unless you know any different it would appear that this same arrangement will be carried on.

[rubl]

Budget cuts for the Defense Ministry... Guess that proves many on TV wrong

The Nation article is slightly misleading. The BP has a more detailed report on this story. The budget reduction is not an NLA initiative, but has been done as a directive from the NCPO. The budget will not actually be reduced, but the funds will instead be divereted to a contingency fund.

So, the NLA continues to be a rubber stamp operation.

It will be interesting to see where the "contingency funds" end up. Defence funds have been cut 0.2%, but the NCPO now controls an additional 8% of the Defence budget.

Seems like a win for the Defence Ministry. Not sure who has been proved wrong.

Interesting, I can find the theNation article, but nothing recent on the BP website. Maybe tomorrow, unless some friendly soul would PM a link or explains to me how to use search engines properly.

Till then,

uncle rubl

Edited September 14, 2014 by rubl

[rubl]

It would seem the "Dawei" thing is pushed as 'private investment'. That would mean the Thai government can take care of those things the private sector is less interested in.

So, Thai government invests to improve link with Thai Industrial Area. Sounds about right, don't you think?

Not if there is no point in it.

The "Dawei thing" is being touted as a replacement of the highly polluting Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. The Thai government have a 50/50 stake with Burma in Dawei SEZ Development Co which has a 75 year concession from Burmas government to develop the special economic zone and deep water port. The initial stake is 12 Million Baht but the previous concession holders, Ital-Thai estimated that development costs needed for the 128,171 rai site would be $9 Billion US. I'd say that the Thai government will have a considerable interest in Dawei.

ITD president Premchai Kanasutra accepted that switching the concession from his company to DSEZ would make the project viable, and that government cooperation would build confidence with foreign investors.

Unless you know any different it would appear that this same arrangement will be carried on.

The only difference between the Yingluck government and the Prayuth government in this seems to be the fact that the Yingluck government was more vocal in the support of the project.

The titbits you 'uncovered' only show the monumental lack of real interest or financial commitment.

So, a 160 km/h high-speed link to the Thai Industrial Area At Map Ta Phut.

[Thai at Heart]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Do some more reading to keep up-to-date. Like starting with the article to which you provided a link

"The two standard-gauge routes are seen to replace the much-criticised high-speed train project initiated by the Yingluck government involving four routes, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Rayong, Bangkok to Nong Khai, and Bangkok to Padang Besar."

The high-speed plan is somewhat modified from the original plan and now a double-track max 160 km/h speed link. Also the budget is spread out over EIGHT years. Over 2014/2015 the first installment included in the National Budget.

Yes I see now - the've modified it so that there is a link to the infamous Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Great, except that the junta have agreed to go ahead with the Dawei Deep Water Port and Heavy Industrial Complex in Burma ( http://www.news.nom.co/ncpo-approves-stalled-dawei-project-11591270-news/ ). The transfer of freight to the Dawei port would reduce the shipping time, and therefore costs of having to go through the Malacca Straights.

So why on earth are they planning a high speed line to Map Ta Phut?

Have u ever driven up 304.

Daiwei is dead in the water anyway. That is never going to happen. The Burmese dont nwant it, the Japanese don't want it. Not required.

[rickirs]

There is almost no detail for reviewing the details of the proposed budget for FY 2015. Maybe that is a national security issue (especially with regard to the monarch's budget) and any public revelation of details might inflict unwelcomed conflict.

Remember that the proposed NLA budget "cuts" are to the NCPO proposed budget of Bt.2,570 billion cut by about 0.65% cut to a total NLA proposed budget of Bt. 2,553 billion. Yingluck's proposed budget for FY 2014 was Bt.2,525 billion. FY 2014 ends September 31, 2014 but I don't recall seeing any actual economic data for year-to date to know how adequate that proposal proved to be. But regardless of what the economic performance is for FY 2014, the NLA proposed 2015 budget is only about 1% higher compared to Yingluck's proposed 2014 budget. Considering the additional national debt incurred by the NCPO thus far, a lot more revenue needs to be raised than ever seen in Yingluck's administration to keep the deficit at least to the 2013 level of almost Bt. 291 billion.

The Defense budget for 2014 was Bt.184,730 billion. NLA "cut" NCPO's proposed 2015 Defense budget of Bt.193,066 billion by about 0.3% to Bt.192,450 billion for an overall 4.2% increase compared to 2014 proposed budget. Typically, on the heels of a military coup, defense expenditures increase (paid by the taxpayers).

[rubl]

There is almost no detail for reviewing the details of the proposed budget for FY 2015. Maybe that is a national security issue (especially with regard to the monarch's budget) and any public revelation of details might inflict unwelcomed conflict.

Remember that the proposed NLA budget "cuts" are to the NCPO proposed budget of Bt.2,570 billion cut by about 0.65% cut to a total NLA proposed budget of Bt. 2,553 billion. Yingluck's proposed budget for FY 2014 was Bt.2,525 billion. FY 2014 ends September 31, 2014 but I don't recall seeing any actual economic data for year-to date to know how adequate that proposal proved to be. But regardless of what the economic performance is for FY 2014, the NLA proposed 2015 budget is only about 1% higher compared to Yingluck's proposed 2014 budget. Considering the additional national debt incurred by the NCPO thus far, a lot more revenue needs to be raised than ever seen in Yingluck's administration to keep the deficit at least to the 2013 level of almost Bt. 291 billion.

The Defense budget for 2014 was Bt.184,730 billion. NLA "cut" NCPO's proposed 2015 Defense budget of Bt.193,066 billion by about 0.3% to Bt.192,450 billion for an overall 4.2% increase compared to 2014 proposed budget. Typically, on the heels of a military coup, defense expenditures increase (paid by the taxpayers).

"additional national debt incurred by the NCPO thus far"

This needs some explanation I think, or at least I'm not aware of details.

BTW how much did other budgets increase, paid for by taxpayers ?

[rubl]

Budget cuts for the Defense Ministry... Guess that proves many on TV wrong

The Nation article is slightly misleading. The BP has a more detailed report on this story. The budget reduction is not an NLA initiative, but has been done as a directive from the NCPO. The budget will not actually be reduced, but the funds will instead be divereted to a contingency fund.

So, the NLA continues to be a rubber stamp operation.

It will be interesting to see where the "contingency funds" end up. Defence funds have been cut 0.2%, but the NCPO now controls an additional 8% of the Defence budget.

Seems like a win for the Defence Ministry. Not sure who has been proved wrong.

Upto 64 thanks to Brucec for the link

So, the "emergency funds" gets 16.8 billion and arguments are to pay for government offices or state enterprise budgets in case of emergencies and of course natural disasters like floods. No need to reserve a few hundred billion for RPPS, that really helps to cut down on these needs.

Now I first misread probably, but now I think Brucec meant to indicate that the NCPO controls an additional budget the size of 8% of the Defence Budget. With the explanation on how the emergency budget might be used I fail to see though how that would help the MoD.

[brucec64]

Budget cuts for the Defense Ministry... Guess that proves many on TV wrong

The Nation article is slightly misleading. The BP has a more detailed report on this story. The budget reduction is not an NLA initiative, but has been done as a directive from the NCPO. The budget will not actually be reduced, but the funds will instead be divereted to a contingency fund.

So, the NLA continues to be a rubber stamp operation.

It will be interesting to see where the "contingency funds" end up. Defence funds have been cut 0.2%, but the NCPO now controls an additional 8% of the Defence budget.

Seems like a win for the Defence Ministry. Not sure who has been proved wrong.

Upto 64 thanks to Brucec for the link

So, the "emergency funds" gets 16.8 billion and arguments are to pay for government offices or state enterprise budgets in case of emergencies and of course natural disasters like floods. No need to reserve a few hundred billion for RPPS, that really helps to cut down on these needs.

Now I first misread probably, but now I think Brucec meant to indicate that the NCPO controls an additional budget the size of 8% of the Defence Budget. With the explanation on how the emergency budget might be used I fail to see though how that would help the MoD.

Given that the explanation for budget usage is vague, and the fact that the NCPO is not accountable to anyone, there is a reasonable possibility that the MoD will recoup at least the amount by which their budget was cut, or they would not have agreed to the cut.

Another issue is that this type of budget allotment, which appears to have no ministerial oversight or accountability, could be spent misappropriately. It is under the control of the NCPO, who are protected in the constituion for any wrongdoing.

[rubl]

The Nation article is slightly misleading. The BP has a more detailed report on this story. The budget reduction is not an NLA initiative, but has been done as a directive from the NCPO. The budget will not actually be reduced, but the funds will instead be divereted to a contingency fund.

So, the NLA continues to be a rubber stamp operation.

It will be interesting to see where the "contingency funds" end up. Defence funds have been cut 0.2%, but the NCPO now controls an additional 8% of the Defence budget.

Seems like a win for the Defence Ministry. Not sure who has been proved wrong.

Upto 64 thanks to Brucec for the link

So, the "emergency funds" gets 16.8 billion and arguments are to pay for government offices or state enterprise budgets in case of emergencies and of course natural disasters like floods. No need to reserve a few hundred billion for RPPS, that really helps to cut down on these needs.

Now I first misread probably, but now I think Brucec meant to indicate that the NCPO controls an additional budget the size of 8% of the Defence Budget. With the explanation on how the emergency budget might be used I fail to see though how that would help the MoD.

Given that the explanation for budget usage is vague, and the fact that the NCPO is not accountable to anyone, there is a reasonable possibility that the MoD will recoup at least the amount by which their budget was cut, or they would not have agreed to the cut.

Another issue is that this type of budget allotment, which appears to have no ministerial oversight or accountability, could be spent misappropriately. It is under the control of the NCPO, who are protected in the constituion for any wrongdoing.

Valid points, but only if you start assuming in that direction. Nothing tangible, just a feeling. Mind you, this being Thailand ... ...

Still, till now it looks like the NCPO and NLA are more responsive to budget remarks than many a previous government. Furthermore lots of activities the former government had placed in special budgets to be allocated are now in the National Budget. Of course that means that the 'more years' projects can only be succesful when coming governments also make provisions in the National Budgets. Mind you, with things like "Water Management Plan", "double tracking" and "160km/h speed duobe track links" that shouldn't be a problem.

Wait and see.

[fobuff]

For the Defence Ministry, a Bt550-million cut is proposed from Bt193 billion originally proposed. The Royal Aide de Camp Department may lose Bt3.1 million.

Six projects of the Army could lose Bt435 million while the Air Force may have Bt7.1 million stripped from its Bt1.9-billion budget.

In reality this is almost NOTHING....got to keep the War mongers happy

Oh yes, the military loves it's toys and govt after govt has happily fallen in line to try and keep them onside.

It's hard to imagine who LoS plans to invade or who they fear..

they fear democracy and they have to be ready for the next coup

[brucec64]

The Nation article is slightly misleading. The BP has a more detailed report on this story. The budget reduction is not an NLA initiative, but has been done as a directive from the NCPO. The budget will not actually be reduced, but the funds will instead be divereted to a contingency fund.

So, the NLA continues to be a rubber stamp operation.

It will be interesting to see where the "contingency funds" end up. Defence funds have been cut 0.2%, but the NCPO now controls an additional 8% of the Defence budget.

Seems like a win for the Defence Ministry. Not sure who has been proved wrong.

Upto 64 thanks to Brucec for the link

So, the "emergency funds" gets 16.8 billion and arguments are to pay for government offices or state enterprise budgets in case of emergencies and of course natural disasters like floods. No need to reserve a few hundred billion for RPPS, that really helps to cut down on these needs.

Now I first misread probably, but now I think Brucec meant to indicate that the NCPO controls an additional budget the size of 8% of the Defence Budget. With the explanation on how the emergency budget might be used I fail to see though how that would help the MoD.

Given that the explanation for budget usage is vague, and the fact that the NCPO is not accountable to anyone, there is a reasonable possibility that the MoD will recoup at least the amount by which their budget was cut, or they would not have agreed to the cut.

Another issue is that this type of budget allotment, which appears to have no ministerial oversight or accountability, could be spent misappropriately. It is under the control of the NCPO, who are protected in the constituion for any wrongdoing.

Valid points, but only if you start assuming in that direction. Nothing tangible, just a feeling. Mind you, this being Thailand ... ...

Still, till now it looks like the NCPO and NLA are more responsive to budget remarks than many a previous government. Furthermore lots of activities the former government had placed in special budgets to be allocated are now in the National Budget. Of course that means that the 'more years' projects can only be succesful when coming governments also make provisions in the National Budgets. Mind you, with things like "Water Management Plan", "double tracking" and "160km/h speed duobe track links" that shouldn't be a problem.

Wait and see.

The point of financial controls is to identify areas susceptible to abuse and try to mitigate the risk. So you have to assume in that direction. This government has been selling good governance, and part of that is building in the proper controls. I see this move as an area of risk contrary to good governance because of the potential for abuse.

[pmugghc]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Do some more reading to keep up-to-date. Like starting with the article to which you provided a link

"The two standard-gauge routes are seen to replace the much-criticised high-speed train project initiated by the Yingluck government involving four routes, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Rayong, Bangkok to Nong Khai, and Bangkok to Padang Besar."

The high-speed plan is somewhat modified from the original plan and now a double-track max 160 km/h speed link. Also the budget is spread out over EIGHT years. Over 2014/2015 the first installment included in the National Budget.

Yes I see now - the've modified it so that there is a link to the infamous Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Great, except that the junta have agreed to go ahead with the Dawei Deep Water Port and Heavy Industrial Complex in Burma ( http://www.news.nom.co/ncpo-approves-stalled-dawei-project-11591270-news/ ). The transfer of freight to the Dawei port would reduce the shipping time, and therefore costs of having to go through the Malacca Straights.

So why on earth are they planning a high speed line to Map Ta Phut?

There are many existing industries there. Have you ever seen the truck traffic on Route 36? Would be a very good thing if they can move some of that cargo to trains.

[rubl]

The point of financial controls is to identify areas susceptible to abuse and try to mitigate the risk. So you have to assume in that direction. This government has been selling good governance, and part of that is building in the proper controls. I see this move as an area of risk contrary to good governance because of the potential for abuse.

I think that it's more important that aspects of good governance are codified more properly in the work allocated to the "budget audit" commission (or however its called) and ensure independence of it.

In principle you're right that it would be nice to have the NCPO under similar control, but that wouldn't really work with a junta, is not supposed to work with a junta and might lead to delays in having the NCPO step down again. Remember that the more the NCPO is 'pressured' to behave democratically the less pressure there may be for them to step down. It would be understandable, but not correct to get used to the NCPO too much.

[rubl]

The Junta, sorry, NLA could make this 17 Billion baht reduction easily without touching any of the departments budgets mentioned in the OP.

How? Cancel the two planned High Speed train routes to China. After all, nobody in Thailand wanted the High Speed lines that the PTP had proposed, "there was no need for them" according to posts on here, so what has changed now?

The Junta High speed railway is budgeted at 741 Billion Baht, who knows what it will eventually cost.

(http://limitfitness.com/forum/topic/747329-ncpo-approves-us34-billion-rail-line-project-plan/#entry8171305)

Do some more reading to keep up-to-date. Like starting with the article to which you provided a link

"The two standard-gauge routes are seen to replace the much-criticised high-speed train project initiated by the Yingluck government involving four routes, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Rayong, Bangkok to Nong Khai, and Bangkok to Padang Besar."

The high-speed plan is somewhat modified from the original plan and now a double-track max 160 km/h speed link. Also the budget is spread out over EIGHT years. Over 2014/2015 the first installment included in the National Budget.

Yes I see now - the've modified it so that there is a link to the infamous Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate.

Great, except that the junta have agreed to go ahead with the Dawei Deep Water Port and Heavy Industrial Complex in Burma ( http://www.news.nom.co/ncpo-approves-stalled-dawei-project-11591270-news/ ). The transfer of freight to the Dawei port would reduce the shipping time, and therefore costs of having to go through the Malacca Straights.

So why on earth are they planning a high speed line to Map Ta Phut?

Have u ever driven up 304.

Daiwei is dead in the water anyway. That is never going to happen. The Burmese dont nwant it, the Japanese don't want it. Not required.

"The mammoth Dawei deep-sea port project would also be on the agenda but any substantial progress would rest on the interest of foreign investors and the project's much needed transparency. Myanmar's main focus has always been on the Thilawa Port, which receives Japan's full financial support."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760442-the-prayuth-governments-strategic-dilemmas-opinion/?p=8387618