BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved new measures from the Ministry of Finance to accelerate budget disbursement and government spending for Fiscal Year 2026, as part of efforts to stimulate economic activity and ensure steady liquidity across sectors. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that the policy will help inject funds from the national budget more efficiently while providing clear operational guidelines for all government agencies.
For Fiscal Year 2026, total government expenditure amounts to 4.37 trillion baht, comprising 321 billion baht in carry-over funds, 3.78 trillion baht in annual government spending, and 265 billion baht in state enterprise investment. Disbursement targets include at least 75% for capital spending, 98% for current expenditures, and 93% overall, with full commitment of funds for both categories. State enterprise investment is expected to achieve a minimum disbursement rate of 95%.
Government agencies are required to accelerate project procurement and contract processes to ensure timely disbursement. Projects with existing financial commitments must complete payments by the second quarter, while new contracts must be finalized within the first quarter. Allocated funds must reach regional offices within five days of approval, and payments must be processed within five working days after inspection. Agencies must also submit monthly progress reports to the Comptroller General’s Department, which will use the results to assess budget allocation efficiency for future fiscal years.
State enterprises have been instructed to expedite investment disbursements during the first half of the fiscal year, with one-year investment items completed by the first quarter and multi-year projects contracted by the second quarter. Supervising ministries and enterprise boards must ensure that implementation meets set targets, and chief executives will be evaluated based on achieving disbursement rates of no less than 95%.
The Ministry of Finance has also implemented administrative reforms to shorten procurement timeframes and speed up contract approvals. These changes are expected to improve the circulation of public funds, accelerate infrastructure projects, and stimulate domestic spending in the early months of the fiscal year.
Minister Ekniti stated that the accelerated disbursement measures are part of the government’s “Quick Big Win” economic framework—short-term fiscal actions that deliver immediate economic stimulus while supporting long-term national growth. The policy seeks to strengthen public confidence, sustain domestic demand, and ensure continuous financial momentum throughout 2026. (NNT)
