Mayor Pan, the mayor of Hat Yai City, complained that the 2027 flood relief budget was almost entirely cut. He explained that instead of the planned 8 million baht for jet skis, they received only four rubber boats, three dump trucks, and one road. He said the municipal budget left is only 42 million baht, not 200 million.
On 10 July 2026 at 13:10 GMT+7. Narongphon Na Phatthalung, mayor of Hat Yai City, gave an interview at the R.1 Drainage Gate in Songkhla Province regarding Minister of the Prime Minister's Office Pradorn Prissanantakul’s video addressing criticism over the 2027 flood relief budget cuts for Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province (read more:“Pradorn” criticizes “Juree” for claiming flood relief budget cuts, pointing out local officials lack flood management projects.) by Narongphon emphasized that the budget was completely cut. He said the smart classroom was from the tenure of former mayor Police Lieutenant General Sakorn Thongmunee, not his. Currently, they only got approval for four rubber boats, three dump trucks, and one road, though it is still uncertain whether these will be funded as it must pass the budget committee next year. Regarding the jet ski purchase, they requested it because it was needed, but the entire budget was cut, so they only received four rubber boats.
When asked about the purchase of jet skis costing 8 million baht, Narongphon said he did not know. The procurement was done via e-Bidding (electronic bidding), and they received only what remained, but the budget was cut. They proposed it but it was cut, so only four rubber boats remain. Regarding whether he would discuss this matter directly with the prime minister today, Narongphon said no, he was just there to welcome as usual. The reporter asked further, if the budget cuts would be discouraging, Narongphon affirmed it was fine. He said they would manage whatever was given and continue to administer accordingly.
Concerning the government statement that Hat Yai Municipality has 200 million baht left, he responded, “Only 42 million baht remain.” This can be verified scientifically. Two to three months ago, the 200 million baht was spent repairing schools and roads, including health centers damaged by flooding, and also purchasing computer equipment as the municipality was flooded. Additionally, they dredged canals and bought water pumps totaling over 200 million baht two months ago. Therefore, only 42 million baht remain, which can be checked.
When asked to assess this year's flood situation, Narongphon said, “We are doing our duties to the fullest.” On whether the resources will be sufficient to cope, the Hat Yai mayor reiterated uncertainty for next year’s budget as it must pass the budget committee and several meetings. Regarding progress in dredging canals, Narongphon stated they have completed over 200 kilometers so far.