Bangkok: "Natthapong" pushes for action against the "mastermind" in local government exam corruption. According to Thai News Agency, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, a Member of Parliament and leader of the People's Party, expressed concerns over corruption in local government examinations, leading to the revocation of over 3,000 positions. He questioned the sufficiency of current solutions and emphasized the need for accountability to prevent recurrence.
Mr. Nattapong stated that while he had no objections to actions being taken where evidence is clear, the burden of dismissal orders was being shifted to local authorities. He stressed the importance of identifying the main perpetrators to prevent similar cases of corruption from happening again.
Addressing concerns about potential manpower shortages due to outsourcing, Mr. Natthapong highlighted the need for a balanced approach in decentralizing authority for personnel management. He suggested that while local authorities could design their recruitment processes, certain aspects like the civil service examination should remain.
Regarding fears of budget overruns, Mr. Natthapong asserted that local governments' primary mission is to provide essential services, requiring significant labor. He believes transparent checks and balances will ensure budgets are spent fairly, improving local public services.
Mr. Nattapong also commented on a cabinet meeting led by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul in Songkhla province. He emphasized the importance of actual benefits to the people in the South from the announced 50 billion baht budget allocation over the budget itself.
Concerns were raised about the government's 400 billion baht loan decree, particularly the latter 200 billion baht, due to a lack of planning. Mr. Natthapong criticized the potential selection of contractors with government ties and called for clarity on the allocation of the 50 billion baht to southern provinces to ensure public benefit.
Addressing the unrest in the southern border provinces, Mr. Natthapong indicated that discussions had been held with the whips for urgent action. He agreed with the Prime Minister's opinion at the National Security Council meeting that government agencies should be proactive in resolving issues, stressing the need for effective intelligence gathering and trust between local populations and government agencies.