Bangkok: The Senate approved the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2027 with 145 votes in favor. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed gratitude to the Senate members, emphasizing the significance of the 2027 budget as a tool to advance government policies, national strategies, and public sector work aimed at benefiting the populace. He assured that the government would integrate the Senate's recommendations and ensure transparent and accountable budget spending.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate's deliberation on the draft budget bill followed its prior approval by the House of Representatives and included a report from the ad hoc committee studying the budget. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, highlighted the budget's role in driving government policies, addressing public issues, and maintaining economic stability, while preserving fiscal discipline and strengthening fiscal policy. The House of Representatives approved the amended articles, focusing on government agencies' readiness, past performance goals, and the necessity of the budget to support economic recovery and improve citizens' livelihoods amidst internal and external challenges.
Mr. Wuttichat Kalyanamit, Chairman of the Special Committee, noted that the 2027 budget increased by 7.4 billion baht, or 0.2 percent, from the previous year. This increase includes recurring expenditures of over 2,780 billion baht and capital expenditures of over 789 billion baht. The projected net revenue stands at 3 trillion baht, necessitating borrowing of over 788 billion baht to cover the deficit. The committee suggested enhancing revenue collection efficiency, reducing borrowing, keeping public debt below 70 percent of GDP, and promoting investment, exports, and future industries.
During the Senate discussions, Senator Nantana Nantavorapas raised concerns about five irregularities in the budget, particularly the overall budget of 3.7 trillion baht, which only increased by 0.2% from the previous year. While some ministries faced budget cuts, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) saw a 33% increase, leading to questions about the investment in AI's contribution to economic development.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit discussed the budget allocation for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), which received 5,737.4 million baht, a decrease of 1,106 million baht from the previous year. The focus was on the budget's cost-effectiveness and operational results, particularly in ISOC Region 4 Forward Command, where violence in the southern border provinces continues to target government officials, causing insecurity among the population and prompting some residents to relocate.
Senator Noraset Prachyakorn suggested ways to reduce annual expenditure, particularly concerning public sector personnel budgets. He criticized the government's plan to reduce the workforce by 15% by 2032, arguing it was insufficient and called for a complete reengineering of the civil service and state structure. He warned that allowing voluntary resignations without skill assessments could lead to recruiting skilled individuals as consultants at higher costs. He urged the government to develop a workforce plan and assess personnel skills, similar to Vietnam's approach, to retain talented employees and offer resignation packages to targeted groups.
Following the debate, the Senate approved the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2027, totaling 3,788,000 million baht, with 145 votes in favor, 5 against, 12 abstentions, and no votes cast.
Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, explained the government's preparation of the 2027 fiscal year budget, focusing on reducing expenditures, particularly recurring expenses, and striving to minimize the deficit while increasing revenue. The government allocated budgets to various agencies according to their missions and responsibilities for the people's and country's benefit.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul thanked the Senate for approving the draft Budget Act for fiscal year 2027, reiterating its importance in driving government policies and national strategies. He pledged to incorporate the Senate's recommendations into government work and ensure transparent and accountable budget spending.