BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed that Thailand’s 2026 budget will not be disrupted despite ongoing efforts by political parties to form a new government. Speaking before the Senate, Pichai emphasized that the current political situation is unlikely to affect the consideration of the 3.78-trillion-baht budget bill.
Pichai outlined four key principles guiding the budget:
- Implement urgent, medium- and long-term policies aligned with the national socio-economic strategy, ensuring efficient and transparent use of funds.
- Allocate resources to urgent needs, enhance competitiveness, strengthen targeted industrial and agricultural sectors, improve infrastructure, and promote innovation and digital technology.
- Increase budget efficiency by reviewing and reducing unnecessary projects, such as training seminars, overseas trips, and publicity campaigns, while encouraging use of alternative funding sources in collaboration with the private sector.
- Maintain fiscal discipline to support economic growth, mitigate trade barriers, and address public welfare, preparing Thailand to withstand both domestic and external economic pressures.
Pichai also addressed global trade developments, noting that Thailand would comply with international rulings, including a U.S. appellate court decision on Trump-era tax policies, while maintaining competitiveness with other countries. (TNA)
