BANGKOK, Thailand – Parliament, July 16 – Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, dismissed accusations by Deputy Interior Minister Dech-it Kaothong that the government budget disproportionately favors Blue Party-controlled provincial administrations. Anutin explained that provincial administrative organizations (PAOs) and municipalities can submit budget proposals directly to the Budget Bureau, while the Ministry of Interior only has authority over subdistrict administrative organizations (SAOs). He urged the public to decide who is truly holding grudges.
Anutin refuted claims that the budget was concentrated in PAOs under Bhumjaithai influence, calling the statement “completely incorrect.” He clarified that nowadays, PAOs and municipalities have direct budget submission rights to the Budget Bureau, and the Ministry of Interior’s jurisdiction extends only to SAOs.
Asked who he believed held grudges, Anutin smiled and said, “Let the people decide.”
When questioned whether the majority of the budget actually went to the Pheu Thai Party, Anutin suggested looking at which ministries received the most funding, saying inquiries should be directed accordingly.
Regarding whether he felt exhausted by repeated political attacks, or “being reserved for kathin ceremonies” as the phrase goes, Anutin said, “I’m not tired because I’m no longer the Minister of Interior.” He added that such matters are unrelated to him now.
Addressing concerns about ongoing political “check-bills” or attempts at retaliation, Anutin responded with a question: “Check-bill means what? Have we done anything wrong? No. We have never done anything wrong.” (TNA)
