Opposition MPs Question Department of Provincial Administration Budget Spending

On September 9, 2026, during the third day of the House of Representatives' debate on the 3.78 trillion baht 2027 fiscal budget, members of the People's Party (PChN) scrutinized the Department of Provincial Administration's spending. The debate, chaired by Sophon Sarum, focused on the Ministry of Interior's 226.9 billion baht budget allocation.

Opposition MPs highlighted two specific procurement issues. First, they questioned a 100 million baht contract for mobile scanning software awarded to a company with zero reported revenue, noting a lack of clear technical specifications. Second, they alleged that the department purchased bulletproof vests at 46,000 baht per unit from a company primarily known for selling school uniforms. Lawmakers pointed out that these vests share the same specifications as those used by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) but were purchased at a premium of 15,000 baht per unit.

For residents and travelers, these parliamentary proceedings provide insight into the oversight of public funds in Thailand. While these allegations suggest potential irregularities in government procurement, it remains to be confirmed whether these contracts will be subject to a formal investigation or if the department will provide a detailed justification for the pricing and vendor selection. As of now, the claims remain part of the ongoing legislative debate.