Democrat MP questions Pitak Siam rally's security budget
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Citing a document from the PM's Office, Democrat Bangkok MP Vilas Chanpitaksa has called into question spending of a Bt340million budget approved for police and military operations to provide security during the antigovernment Pitak Siam group's rally in
The police were allocated Bt335 million, the Army Bt600,000, the Navy and Air Force Bt48,000 each, and the Internal Security Operations Command Bt3.5 million, the MP said.
“I really have doubts about the sixth item, which is Bt200 million compensation that the Royal Thai Police transferred for a ‘secret mission’ to conduct intelligence work. I wonder if it was really for making money [illicitly], as the allowances, accommodation and wage costs comprised Bt139 million altogether,” he said.
“However, transferring a secret budget cannot be done unless it is identified in the annual budget bill. The government and people involved were smart. Before they asked for approval from the Cabinet on November 20, 2012, the Cabinet had already approved it in principle, saying the protesters were likely to surround Government House, Parliament House, besiege the premier and so on, and instigate a situation,” Vilas said.
