Phra Dron posted a video criticizing Juree for not listening to full information and accusing the government of cutting flood relief budgets, despite the government preparing to use 457 million baht from the central budget to complete repairs on the R.1 canal by October. He questioned local authorities, noting they requested budgets for smart classrooms and jet skis worth 8 million baht.
At 08:32 on 10 July 2026 GMT+7. Phra Dron Pirisananantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office. He posted a video clip on his personal Facebook page addressing allegations from the 'Tilomfakard' page that cruelly claimed budget cuts for Hat Yai, which originated from Juree Numkaew, Songkhla MP from the Democrat Party. At the recent special session of the Joint Public-Private Committee for Economic Problem Solving (JPC) on 8 July 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened a meeting to address issues for residents in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, especially.
The Songkhla Provincial Private Sector Joint Committee (JPC Songkhla) presented proposals to the Prime Minister to solve short-, medium-, and long-term problems, requesting 99.5 million baht to fix the R.1 irrigation canal in the area. However, Narongporn Na Phatthalung, mayor of Hat Yai Municipality, protested that this budget did not reflect the municipality's priorities, despite it being the area most affected by flooding.
Phra Dron further explained that he had inquired with various agencies, especially Hat Yai Municipality, about their budget requests. Past local meetings rejected budget requests, intending to use reserve funds. At the last JPC meeting, he discussed with Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the National Water Resources Office on how to use the central budget to assist the area immediately. The Prime Minister’s directive was to complete the work by October, before the flood season arrives. Currently, 457 million baht from the central budget will be used to fix the R.1 canal, with further proposals to be presented at upcoming meetings.
"I want to tell the people of Hat Yai who are making a fuss about the government’s lack of attention: did you know what the local budgets for fiscal year 2027 requested at the first parliamentary reading? You might think they asked for repairs or dredging canals, but no. Unfortunately, they requested four smart classrooms, road repairs, and jet skis worth 8 million baht. I was shocked. Are they buying jet skis or yachts? I want the people of Hat Yai to reconsider what I say. I’m not lying; I’m sharing all the information so you can hear the other side of the truth."
Phra Dron also said people should worry about politicians who lie and tell only partial truths. Some MPs have seen only parts of the truth from the municipality and claim budgets were cut or that the government ignores the area, which is untrue. He urged people to look at how much importance the local government places on flood issues, noting there are no flood relief projects proposed at all.
"Another important point is that Hat Yai Municipality has over 200 million baht in reserves. I ask the mayor: what is this money being used for? Why keep over 200 million baht unused? I’m not afraid of clever people who bring data to talk, but I fear skilled liars because they are dangerous—knowing only a little truth but making a big show and telling lies. I ask the local people to listen to the government’s side as well."