Described: 12 Mar 2024 at 05: 49
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday defended the 138- million- baht funds earmarked for improvement work around Government House, saying the money had been spent on renovating many facilities, not just the lawn.
His note came after the funds was criticised by advocate Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, who said on Sunday the volume was to high.
He called on Mr Srettha to rethink the plan and evaluate the funds, in line with the vow he made on March 3 to cut down on unnecessary federal expenditures.
” The job may be scrutinised, as state money must be utilised wisely for the benefit of the people and the state”, said Mr Ruangkrai.
On Monday, Mr Srettha said the budget wo n’t be spent solely on sprucing up the lawn but on upgrading a number of supporting infrastructures.
He said the administration’s plan had been distorted by reviews which featured pictures of the yard alongside news of the reconstruction funds.
” I am convinced that everything is in range with laws and regulations and that the funds will be spent efficiently”, he said.
According to an statement by the Secretariat of the Prime Minister, 32 million baht from the 138- million- baht budget for upgrades had been spent on fitting smoke detectors in the Thai Ku Fah building and 11 million baht on developing a modern office system, while 8.5 million baht would go on upgrading the internet and office management system.
Natreeya Taweewong, assistant secretary- common to the prime minister, said the funding in IT systems, protection enhancement and landscape development falls under the 2022 modern development scheme, which can be funded with this year’s budget.
The modern development plan is aimed at enhancing protection systems to address cybersecurity threats to the government’s database, according to Ms Natreeya.
She said the funds will also be used to secure two models of digital devices for Government House employees as a backup measure in case of a breakdown.
Ms Natreeya said that the development to the garden at Government House may be carried out at the same day as the planned maintenance of state agencies and other monuments registered with the Fine Arts Department.
The planning has been completely reviewed, she insisted.