Law
Questions Raised Over Police Diving Equipment Budget
A Thai Member of Parliament has questioned a 3.5 million baht budget request for a single set of diving equipment for the police.
During the fourth day of the House of Representatives' debate on the 2027 fiscal year budget bill, held on September 10, 2026, Member of Parliament Sasinan Thamnithinan of the People's Party raised concerns regarding a specific procurement request. The budget, submitted by the Counter-Terrorism Division of the Special Operations Division (Commando Police), allocates between 3.4 and 3.5 million baht for a single set of diving equipment.
According to reports from Khaosod Online, MP Thamnithinan argued that this price is significantly higher than market standards, suggesting that high-end professional diving gear typically costs no more than 300,000 baht. She has called for a formal investigation into the procurement process to ensure transparency and prevent potential misuse of public funds.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this debate highlights ongoing parliamentary scrutiny regarding government spending and the management of the Royal Thai Police budget. While the procurement is currently under legislative review, it remains to be confirmed whether the budget request will be approved in its current form or if the police department will provide a justification for the high valuation. No official response from the police regarding the specific technical requirements that might justify such a cost has been issued at this time.
