“Do the public truly benefit?” MP Chalermpong posed in a post online.
The funding forms part of the ministry’s Soft Power Policy Strategic Plan under the National Strategy for Building Competitiveness, as detailed on page 241 of the 2026 Budget Document. The plan allocates B52.42 million to promote and develop the tourism and sports industries, with targets including the creation of at least 1,000 jobs and expected revenues of at least B6.9 billion, MP Chalermpong explained.
Of that amount, B25.72mn is earmarked for the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), while B26.69mn will go to the Department of Tourism.
Mr Chalermpong argued that both agencies already have similar mandates. Under its charter, DASTA is tasked with “promoting community-based tourism development and developing tourist attractions in community areas through participation of all relevant sectors”, while the Department of Tourism works to “promote and support local administrative organisations’ participation in sustainable tourism development” and to manage community tourism networks.
Citing past examples, Mr Chalermpong said both agencies had run projects covering the same areas, such as tourism development in Loei Province along the Mekong River. DASTA launched a creative and cultural tourism plan for Chiang Khan, while in the same year the Department of Tourism included Loei in its “Tourism for All” initiative to develop 15 potential routes, one being the Mekong River Basin Lifestyle Tourism Zone.
“The roles of some agencies are virtually identical,” Mr Chalermpong said, adding that many projects differ only in name or timing, not in underlying objectives.
He suggested that government resources would be better spent on urgent tourism issues, particularly improving tourist assistance and safety, rather than duplicating projects.
“Why are people still travelling to Japan despite high prices and frequent earthquakes? Why do people choose Singapore over Phuket despite its similar size?” he asked, urging the government to “scratch where it itches” and focus on projects that address specific challenges while building on each area’s unique strengths.
While he acknowledged the need for national development, MP Chalermpong called for a partial cut to the Soft Power Strategic Plan budget so the two agencies could re-focus on initiatives that directly expand tourism potential and develop new destinations.