Bangkok: The Comptroller General’s Department has initiated a rehearsal of government agencies’ procurement processes for the 2016 budget, aiming to accelerate the flow of funds into the economic system. Mrs. Patricia Mongkolvanich, Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department, highlighted that the draft of the 2026 Budget Expenditure Act is under parliamentary review. To facilitate swift procurement, debt obligation creation, and fund disbursement within the fiscal year, the department has issued a directive to align procurement preparations with the Ministry of Finance Regulations on Government Procurement and Material Management B.E. 2560 for the fiscal year 2026.

According to Thai News Agency, government agencies are instructed to adhere to the urgent letter from the Government Procurement and Supplies Management Problem Determination Committee, issued as No. Kor Kor (Kor Chor) 0405.2/W 371, dated August 5, 2019. Before the budget bill is considered by parliament, agencies must internally prepare procurement details, such as bidder qualifications and contract specifics. Budget approval is contingent upon consideration by a special subcommittee and subsequent resolution before submission to the House of Representatives.

Once budget approval is granted, agencies can announce their procurement plans and proceed to select sellers or contractors. Contracts can only be signed once the Budget Act is in effect and budget allocations are confirmed. If no budget is allocated, the procurement can be canceled. Additionally, agencies can record procurement project data in the electronic government procurement system (e-GP) once budget approval is obtained, even before the budget code is finalized.

For expenditures not funded through the budget, agencies can advance to the seller selection stage upon receiving budget limit approval from relevant authorities. This proactive preparation ensures that contracts can be finalized promptly once the Budget Act is activated, supporting government spending and economic stimulus efforts aligned with policies from the government and Ministry of Finance.