Bangkok: The Prime Minister orders reform of regional budgeting by appointing six Deputy Prime Ministers to oversee development plans for six regions. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) meeting, appointing deputy prime ministers to chair six regional subcommittees, emphasizing the principle of reducing duplication and achieving results that improve the quality of life for the people.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the first meeting of the Committee on Integrated Area-Based Management Policy (CIAMMP) for 2026 at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers attached to the Prime Minister's Office, and representatives from relevant agencies. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Prime Minister emphasized the need for the public sector to adapt, especially in budget management, focusing on necessity, reducing duplication, and utilizing resources most efficiently.
The Prime Minister requested that spending be adjusted to align with the situation, avoiding duplicative projects. He also allowed provinces and provincial clusters to identify necessary projects in their areas to request support from relevant ministries and departments, considering appropriateness and relevance to the prevailing circumstances.
The Prime Minister highlighted the essential principles for the 2027 budget, which include reducing duplication, improving the quality of life for citizens, promoting tourism, and distributing income to the grassroots economy. These efforts aim to address social problems, strengthen regional capabilities, effectively address the uncertainties of the current situation, and ensure that budget allocation maximizes benefits for the people.
The Prime Minister stressed that the country's spatial development must result in improved quality of life, generate income, develop local occupations, solve social problems, and be tailored to each area. He instructed the Ministry of Interior to prioritize the participation of local representatives, especially in responding to national crises, and emphasized that provincial governors and heads of provincial clusters must listen to the opinions of the people.
The budget allocation framework is divided into two levels: 19.6 billion baht for 76 provinces and 8.4 billion baht for 18 provincial clusters, totaling 28 billion baht. The meeting considered and approved the appointment of six regional subcommittees, each chaired by a Deputy Prime Minister, to review and screen annual plans and projects of provinces and provincial groups, as well as project proposals from government agencies, ensuring alignment with the goals and development guidelines of each region. The appointed Deputy Prime Ministers are:
1. Mr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister, Northern Region
2. Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister, Northeastern Region
3. Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister, Central Region
4. Mr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Deputy Prime Minister, Eastern Region
5. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister, Southern Region
6. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister, Southern Border Region