Bangkok:Dr. Warong has called on Ekniti to reconsider the EV plowing project, expressing concerns that the public may view it as "borrowing money to share the corruption." The project, initially proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, involves a request for over 10 billion baht. Dr. Warong fears that the project's management by private companies and the subsequent financial burden on farmers could lead to inefficiencies and misuse of public funds.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, a Member of Parliament and leader of the Thai Bhakdi Party, criticized the 8 billion baht project for electric rice harvesters, which has now shifted focus to electric plowing. With a proposed budget of 8 billion baht for 2,543 units, and a separate document revealing an 11.677 billion baht plan for 3,720 electric plows, he expressed regret over the project. He highlighted that most farmers own their tractors, and even free services would not suffice, as 80% of farmers use walk-behind models.
Dr. Warong also addressed his concerns to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, noting the project had been submitted to a loan screening committee under the Ministry of Finance. He urged Ekniti to consider the impact on farmers and the public, emphasizing that the project funds would contribute to debt repayment without benefiting the people. Dr. Warong warned that allowing the project to proceed could damage the reputation of the loan, framing it as a potential misuse of funds rather than a genuine economic rescue effort.