"Kungfu" urges a review of the defense budget, noting that frontline soldiers still face hardships, while the Srisaman office spends on solar panels, souvenirs and hospitality budgets, electric vehicle chargers, and a 98-inch LED screen; he also suggests reconsidering the navy's submarine payments to China.
On 17 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Wassawat Puangpornsri, known as "Kungfu," a Member of Parliament and special committee member reviewing the annual budget bill, questioned the priority setting of the defense budget after discovering purchases of solar panel systems, electric vehicle charging points, and a 98-inch LED screen intended for installation at the Srisaman office.
Wassawat stated that while lower-ranking soldiers serving along the border still endure hardships regarding travel routes, equipment, living conditions, and safety, budget proposals include amenities for the central office. He stressed the need for clear justification about which items are urgent and essential for security missions. He noted, "Frontline soldiers risk their lives in difficult conditions, yet air-conditioned offices receive budgets for solar panels, EV chargers, and a 98-inch LED screen. The question is whether taxpayers' money should first support those guarding the land."
He emphasized that every baht of the defense budget should be properly prioritized, especially given the ongoing uncertainties along the border. The state must give top priority to the lives, safety, and quality of life of frontline personnel.
He also called on relevant agencies to provide detailed explanations of the reasons, necessity, budget amounts, and benefits of these projects to assure the public that defense funds are used for national security, not just to improve central office comforts. Defense funds must reach the frontline, not stop at air-conditioned offices. He further proposed that the government and navy delay payments for the first phase of the submarine procurement project, with a fiscal year 2027 payment budget of 2.68644 billion baht from a total project value of 13.07493 billion baht.
Wassawat pointed out that with the fragile security situation at the border and reports that China delivered 40 T59D tanks to Cambodia, the government should reconsider budget priorities. Funds should first support personnel and urgent missions along the border. He clarified he is not opposing the project but suggests postponing payments until the situation is more suitable.