The group, which goes by the name ‘Kon Noom Team’, held a press conference at the Maimorn resort in Wichit on Tuesday (Aug 13) to discuss key points from the 2025 fiscal year budget proposal for Phuket City Municipality, reports The Phuket News Thai-language sister newspaper Khao Phuket, citing a report by the Phuket branch of teh Public Relations Department.
The event, led by Pisut Suttijindawong and other council members, raised concerns over the allocation of B8 million for a study to develop a new landmark in the city.
The proposed budget, which aims to study the development of an 11-rai area between Phra Aram Bridge and Montri Road, was criticised as an inefficient use of funds.
The team argued that with the current municipal administration nearing the end of its term in March 2024, it is uncertain whether a new administration would continue the project.
They suggested postponing the study, citing previous instances where budget allocations for similar studies did not result in tangible benefits.
The proposed landmark includes a 40-storey building on an area of 11.11 rai built under a budget of B3,397,660, with the site featuring a hotel, convention centre, shopping mall, plaza and underground parking for 1,000 cars.
The project’s location within Phuket’s Old Town raises concerns about its compatibility with the area’s heritage preservation regulations. The team also pointed out that the project has not been subjected to public consultation.
Additionally, the team highlighted irregularities in the 2025 budget proposal, including a three-year, B86mn contract for private water management. They claimed the contract violated local government budget procedures and lacked proper council approval.
The team also questioned the significant increase in various budget categories, particularly those related to water management, which saw a more than 400% increase from the previous year’s budget.
They called for media and public scrutiny of these budget allocations to ensure transparency and accountability.
The press conference concluded with a call to action for the media and citizens of Phuket to join the team in monitoring the municipality’s budget and expenditures.