Bangkok: The Democrat Party has voiced concerns over the plight of Border Patrol Police Region 1 officers who have not received their allowances for five months. The party criticized the government for allegedly prioritizing public opinion during conflicts while neglecting officers during peacetime.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, highlighted the complaints from personnel stationed at the Thai-Cambodian border. These officers have been awaiting their daily allowance of 240 baht since March. The delay, explained by superiors as a result of unapproved government budgets, has affected the officers' livelihoods significantly. Mr. Kwanmuang remarked that the situation exemplifies the saying, "In times of war, we fight; in times of peace, we are forgotten," emphasizing the tangible impact on the officers and their families.
The spokesperson noted that the personnel are compelled to cover their daily food expenses despite the intended support from their allowances. The cumulative delay of their monthly allowance, approximately 7,200 baht, has put an immense strain on households, impacting essential expenses such as school fees and living costs. The absence of these funds over five months has led to considerable hardship for the officers' families.
Mr. Pongsakorn urged the government, the Royal Thai Police, and the Budget Bureau to clarify whether the budget has truly not been approved, identify the agency responsible for the delay, and provide a timeline for when the funds will be disbursed. He stressed the urgency of answering these questions to alleviate the hardship faced by military personnel.
Furthermore, the Democrat Party spokesperson called for genuine respect for those performing their duties, which should not be contingent on public outcry or crises. Timely provision of basic welfare benefits is crucial. He pointed out that, while the daily allowance of 240 baht may seem minor in the national budget, it is essential for frontline personnel and their families. The government must not let the notion of "sacrifice" justify neglecting welfare, nor should it adhere to the rhetoric of "abandoning the generals after the battle is over." If frontline personnel bear their own food expenses while on duty, Mr. Pongsakorn questioned who the government could rely on to protect the country during crises.