Opposition MP Questions Fisheries Department Budget for Udon Thani Aquarium

On September 8, 2026, during the second day of the House of Representatives' debate on the 2027 fiscal budget, opposition MP Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat of the People's Party raised concerns regarding the Department of Fisheries' budget. The total budget for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is set at 53.05 billion baht, with the Department of Fisheries receiving 4.8 billion baht.

Nattacha specifically questioned a 200-million-baht allocation intended for the construction of an aquarium in Udon Thani. He challenged the necessity of the project, questioning whether the facility is intended to serve the public or if it serves as a vanity project for the Minister. The debate took place at the Parliament under the chairmanship of Sophon Sarum, as the House reviewed the 3.78 trillion baht budget bill.

For residents and visitors in Udon Thani, this development highlights ongoing parliamentary scrutiny over regional infrastructure spending. While the project is currently part of the proposed budget, the final approval and the specific scope of the aquarium remain subject to the ongoing legislative process. Observers are waiting to see if the government will provide further justification for the expenditure or if the budget allocation will be adjusted following the opposition's critique.