2 NLA figures urged to quit in relief row

A member of the Democrat Party is calling on two members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to resign over their alleged involvement in irregularities in the spending of the crop disaster fund during 2011-2012.

Wilat Chanpitak, a former Democrat MP for Bangkok, said the NLA members in question are the former governors of Mukdahan, Charnwit Wasayangkura, and Chaiyaphum, Pornsak Jiaranai. Up to 7.8 billion baht was disbursed as relief funds in the provinces.

The money was approved to tackle crop diseases and pests during 2011-2012 and allegations emerged the pesticides purchased for distribution to farmers were overpriced.

One province authorised the procurement of pesticides worth 881 million baht and the other approved a procurement worth 306 million baht, Mr Wilat said.

He added he had exposed the irregularities during a House debate in March 2012 on the 350-billion-loan bill tabled by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.

Two provincial governors were transferred following the debate, he said, but others implicated in the alleged irregularities were not.

“The two NLA members used their powers to declare natural disaster zones in their provinces and authorised the overpriced purchases of pesticides,” he said.

The former governors rejected the allegations yesterday, saying the declaration of national disaster zones was based on laws and regulations.

Mr Charnwit said he was not involved with pesticides procurement.

“I don’t know where Mr Wilat’s information comes from. He is not a local person,” he said.

Mr Pornsak said before disaster zones are declared, authorities must inspect areas to ensure they meet regulations.