MP Kungfu criticized the 2027 budget for increasing funding to the Ministry of Digital Economy while cutting the defense budget for building roads along the border. He warned that now that the government is in power, it should not forget border communities. He also demanded compensation for the heroes, which has not been paid after nearly one year, unlike during the election campaign.
On 30 June 2026, reporters reported that during the debate on the 2027 fiscal year budget bill on 29 June, Mr. Wasawat Puangphornsri, party-list MP of the Thai Ruam Palang Party, raised concerns about the government's budget allocation. He highlighted the increase of over 3,428.7 million baht to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, bringing its total budget to 13,625.7 million baht. Meanwhile, the security situation along the borders remains uncertain, and many local residents still face livelihood and quality of life challenges.
Mr. Wasawat stated that the budget should truly meet the basic needs of the people, including water for consumption, electricity, roads, and essential infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas that still lack development.
He also cited information about border transportation development projects, with over 60 routes completed, 72 under construction, and more than 20 not yet started, plus numerous minor routes—totaling nearly 300 routes—to emphasize the necessity of infrastructure and security funding in border areas.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about the budget for constructing and upgrading routes in Ubon Ratchathani Province, covering more than 114 kilometers with a budget exceeding 763 million baht. He called for scrutiny of cost-effectiveness, transparency, and equitable benefit distribution to local people.
Mr. Wasawat said that the country's budget allocation should prioritize the real issues citizens face, including economic concerns, safety, and quality of life. He urged the government to reassess budget priorities to ensure taxpayers' money is used optimally and concretely addresses the needs of people in all regions.
“I was initially pleased to see a budget for fence construction on page 749 of the defense budget book marked in red, with 65,017,000 baht allocated for building fences to mark boundaries and prevent encroachment for Army use. But it turns out this is for fences within military camps or boundaries used by the military, not border fences. Where is the sincerity? Is the budget just floating around?”
Mr. Wasawat added that nearly one year has passed without the 10 million baht compensation reaching the families of heroes and disabled veterans from the second clash. The Cabinet said it was waiting for documents. Compensation from shelters has also not been paid. The enthusiasm for supporting the military and nation has waned compared to election times. Where are the votes from border residents now that you are in government? During campaigns, you frequently visited the border, but once in power, the budget for border fences and appropriate border areas disappeared along with those votes. Please reconsider budget allocations in the committee by reducing central budget and allocating funds to border areas. Do not forget the voices of border residents.