Budget heavy on populist spending, light on flood rehabilitation: Jurin

Moreover, of the Bt120 billion in central budget funds to be allocated to flood-related problems, Bt80 billion-Bt100 billion was to go towards flood-victim compensation while only Bt20 billion-Bt30 billion would be saved for the rehabilitation works.

“The [government’s] budget allocation reflects the government’s emphasis on the populist projects it promoted during the election campaign; the budget is still allocated to the tablet PC and first-car programmes, as if the country was in a normal situation. The government is more worried about populism and election campaign promises [than rehabilitation],” Jurin said.

He said the opposition had also found that the government intended to reduce some crucial spending planned by the previous government.

For example, he said, the budget for the public healthcare scheme would be reduced from Bt2,895.60 to Bt2,755.6 per citizen.

Government spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said the opposition should support the government’s budget plan as it was designed to help people. Moreover, the Bt800 billion budget was for long-term rehabilitation.

The government cannot wait until the flood water subsides to plan long-term rehabilitation, she said. It had set up three panels to study and plan rehabilitation efforts.

Concerned ministries would have to quickly study the details and propose plans to the National Economic and Social Development Board so that the proposals can be brought to the Cabinet for consideration quickly, she said.

“When the Cabinet decides, people will be informed of how much they would get in compensation in case of house damage or crop damage. For example, Bt25,000 compensation would be granted in the event of loss of life, and Bt50,000 if it is the breadwinner,” she said.

The government has requested that 10 per cent of each ministry’s budget be allocated to flood relief. Altogether, that would add up to more than Bt100 billion in central budget funds, she said, adding that the Bt800-900 billion budget would be for one year only.

The spokeswoman also said the government would clarify during the budget scrutiny session that the Pheu Thai Party’s difficulties were exacerbated by the fact that the previous Democrat-led government had made no flood preparations. The central budget was fully allocated, forcing the government to cut each ministry’s budget by 10 per cent.

Deputy government whip Paijit Sriworakhan said the government and opposition MPs would get 13 hours to scrutinise the government’s 2012 Budget Bill during the scheduled House meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. Three hours would be spared for objections.

He was speaking after a meeting with Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol and the opposition whip yesterday.

The meeting would start at 9.30am Wednesday and finish before midnight Thursday, he said.

Paijit said Pheu Thai initially plans to give ministers seven hours to clarify the government’s position, while its MPs would be allowed to speak for six hours.