Bangkok: Speaker Chuan Leekpai has sparked a heated debate in the House of Representatives over the transportation budget, likening the government's approach to tree maintenance to an "execution." During the meeting to consider the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2027, Chuan presented images of roadside trees reduced to branchless trunks, arguing that the careless pruning practices are detrimental to the nation's assets.
According to Thai News Agency, Chuan, a list MP from the Democrat Party, specifically addressed the amendment to Article 15 of the budget, highlighting the absence of funds allocated for tree maintenance within the Ministry of Transport's substantial budget. He stressed that this issue is unrelated to corruption but is a matter of protecting vital natural resources that contribute to the environment by releasing oxygen and reducing pollution.
Chuan criticized the prevailing mindset of government agencies that consider trees a liability, opting to cut them down to avoid accountability in case of accidents. Despite his efforts to bring the issue to the government's attention, including a letter sent in June, no substantial action has been taken. He noted that while the Ministry of Transport's budget exceeds 160 billion baht, there has been no provision for arboricultural care.
Chuan highlighted successful initiatives in Trang Province where private organizations, such as Toyota and Honda, have contributed to tree maintenance. A fund established for this purpose has grown significantly, showcasing a model that could save government resources while ensuring proper care for trees. However, he lamented the limited reach of such initiatives and called for a nationwide budget allocation for tree conservation.
In conclusion, Chuan proposed that responsible agencies, including the Department of Highways, the Department of Rural Roads, and the Department of Irrigation, be allocated funds for the maintenance and conservation of trees in accordance with arboricultural standards. He urged a shift from destructive pruning practices to employing arborists to safeguard these invaluable national assets.