People's Party Challenges Department of Fisheries Budget Proposal

On September 8, 2026, during the second day of the House of Representatives' second and third reading of the 2027 fiscal budget bill, the People's Party (PP) raised concerns regarding the Department of Fisheries' proposed spending. The total budget under review for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and its affiliated agencies stands at 53.05 billion baht.

Nattapong Sumanotham, a PP Member of Parliament for Samut Sakhon, specifically challenged the department's request for funding to build a 'smart' giant freshwater prawn hatchery. Sumanotham questioned the necessity and efficacy of this project, arguing that the department should prioritize addressing the ongoing crisis facing the Thai shrimp industry rather than focusing on tourism-oriented aquatic display centers. He expressed skepticism about whether such facilities would provide tangible solutions to the challenges currently faced by local farmers.

For residents and those involved in the agricultural sector, this debate highlights ongoing political scrutiny regarding how government funds are allocated to address specific industry downturns. While the project is framed as a technological advancement, the opposition suggests it may not effectively resolve the immediate economic difficulties of prawn producers. It remains to be confirmed how the Department of Fisheries will respond to these criticisms and whether the proposed budget for the hatchery will be adjusted or approved as requested.