Ruangkrai Asks Prime Minister about Spending Money for UNGA78 Meeting
Government Transparency and Corruption Concerns Raised
On October 29, 2023, Mr. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana once again wrote to the Prime Minister via EMS post, seeking clarification on the expenses incurred during the Prime Minister’s and his delegation’s travel to a meeting. In his letter, Mr. Ruangkrai emphasized the need for transparency and honesty in handling public funds.
In a letter dated October 3, 2023, the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, had informed Mr. Ruangkrai that his request for details on expenses during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) had been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration. However, over a month had passed, and Mr. Ruangkrai had yet to receive any notification regarding the results of his request.
With the matter still unresolved, Mr. Ruangkrai expressed his opinion that the responsibility lies with the Prime Minister’s Secretariat to provide clarity on the information sought. As the Prime Minister holds the authority to issue orders, Mr. Ruangkrai urged the Prime Minister to take action in this regard.
Concerns were raised about the Prime Minister’s travel expenses, particularly in relation to the use of a charter plane with a budget of 30 million baht. Criticism had arisen due to the inclusion of two outsiders in the delegation, one of whom was the Prime Minister’s daughter. However, clarification was provided by Government House, stating that the Minister’s daughter had traveled on a privately chartered plane and had paid for her own expenses.
Regarding the payment of official travel expenses, it was noted that the Prime Minister’s Secretariat is responsible for handling such payments. The Prime Minister signs the official travel expenses form (Form 8708), and the Secretary General or the Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs or Ministry, who joined the delegation, signs as the beneficiary.
Mr. Ruangkrai stressed the importance of transparency and verification, urging the Prime Minister to ensure that all expenses were reported in accordance with the Royal Decree on Official Travel Expenses and the regulations of the Prime Minister’s Office. Specifically, he requested information on travel costs, charter rentals, accommodation, food, entertainment, and other associated expenses. Copies of all accounting or financial documents, as required by government regulations, should be disclosed promptly.
Mr. Ruangkrai emphasized the need to address any potential misuse or dishonest use of government funds. If any wrongdoing is found, he pledged to inform the Prime Minister promptly, urging corrective measures for the future.
“Ruangkrai” follows up with the “Prime Minister” asking for documents on spending money to attend the “UNGA78” meeting. Has the money been refunded yet? If you don’t like it, it’s not honest. Indicates corruption will notify management
Date (29 October 2023) Mr Ruangkrai Leekitwattana revealed that today he again sent a letter to the Prime Minister via EMS post asking for evidence of spending money when the Prime Minister and his delegation traveled to a meeting. Minister informed and ordered As follows: 1. According to the letter referred to: 1. Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister Letter No. 0105.5/43748 dated October 3, 2023 informed me, according to the letter application dated September 27, 2023, which I would like to inform the Prime Minister. I would like details of expenses when the UK Prime Minister and the Finance Minister travel to attend the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York, United States, between 18-24 September 2023, the decision has has been published. The Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, has coordinated the matter and forwarded it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. has the duty and authority to be responsible for the case where you have such a written request to consider Please inform me of the results directly, so I would like to inform you.. 2. Because that about a month has passed and I have not yet received Notification of the results in accordance with a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs According to the letter notified by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, the Office of the Prime Minister And after examine the said case, I am of the opinion that this matter should be the duty and authority of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat to clarify the information. the Prime Minister has the power to issue orders
Mr. said Rueangkrai 3. According to the news that appeared in general The trip of the Prime Minister and his delegation included a charter plane with a budget of 30 million baht and accompanied by two outsiders, one of whom included the Prime Minister’s daughter Minister. This caused criticism to follow. Until Government House I have to explain that First Minister’s Daughter Take a trip on a real charter plane. But pay your own expenses 4. Service manual Paying official travel expenses from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat It is said in part that Signing the Prime Minister’s official travel expenses form (Form 8708) to the Secretary General Mr. Grammontri Deputy Secretary General Mr Grammontri for Political Affairs or Deputy Secretary General Mr. Grammontri for Ministry who joined the group traveling on temporary foreign service with Mr. Grammontri That the person who signs the name of the beneficiary on the evidence of payment of the said official travel expenses.
Mr. said Rueangkrai: 5. Therefore, to ensure that This trip There is evidence of reporting various expenses in accordance with Form 8708, which is transparent and verifiable. Have the Prime Minister and his group withdrawn and reimbursed money in accordance with the Royal Decree on Official Travel Expenses, BE 2526, Category 3 Expenses for travel on official duties abroad or not? And is this in accordance with the regulations of the Prime Minister’s Office regarding Approving official travel and organizing government meetings in 1981 or not, and the Prime Minister’s daughter accompanied the trip. Did he really pay for his own money or not The Prime Minister should order the Prime Minister’s Secretariat or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to quickly disclose information on travel costs, including charter rentals, accommodation, food, entertainment and other expenses that associated with traveling to the meeting Along with copies of all accounting or financial documents that must be reported on in accordance with government regulations. Please know quickly.
“If I have the information to check and find that Government money can be used illegally or dishonestly. which can be considered corruption We will quickly inform the Prime Minister to make corrections in the future,” said Mr Rueangkrai.
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