Pattaya, November 2025 – The Pattaya City Council unanimously approved the use of 203.09 million baht from the city’s accumulated funds to co-finance 27 major development projects in the 2026 fiscal year, despite strong questioning from councillors over the Education Department’s handling of school science laboratory upgrades.
The decision was made during the fourth ordinary session of 2025, chaired by Council President Mr. Banlue Kullavanich, with Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramese Ngampichet, acting city clerk Mr. Kiattisak Sriwongchai, senior officials, and city councillors in attendance.
Deputy Mayor Mr. Wuttisak Rermkijakarn proposed the motion, explaining that Pattaya has been allocated 1.827 billion baht in central government investment funding for 27 multi-year projects running through 2027–2028. Under national co-financing rules, the city is required to contribute 10% of the total project cost, amounting to exactly 203,091,900 baht, bringing the combined budget to just over 2.03 billion baht.
Among the projects drawing scrutiny was a 72.46 million baht plan to upgrade science laboratories in all 11 schools under Pattaya City’s administration. Laboratories will be classified into four sizes: one small (S), eight medium (M), seven large (L), and one extra-large (XL), with costs varying accordingly.
Councillor Mr. Anupong Putthanawarat raised serious concerns about the Education Department’s planning, warning that rushed or poorly researched budget requests could burden schools with impractical facilities or equipment. He urged officials to ensure every baht delivers maximum benefit and that specifications are realistic and tailored to actual classroom needs.
“High-cost science labs must reflect real-world usage. We don’t want extravagant rooms that become underutilised or create maintenance problems for schools later,” Mr. Anupong stressed during the debate.
Despite the intense questioning, the council ultimately voted to approve the full 203.09 million baht withdrawal from accumulated funds, allowing all 27 projects, ranging from infrastructure and drainage improvements to educational facilities, to move forward with central government matching funds.
Mayor Poramese thanked the council for its thorough scrutiny, pledging that the administration would review the science laboratory plans in detail to address the concerns raised and ensure transparent, effective use of public money.
