BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved the draft of the 2026 Annual Budget Expenditure Bill, setting the total budget at 3.78 trillion baht. The draft, along with 39 supporting documents, is scheduled for its first reading in the House of Representatives during a special session from May 28 to 30. Clause-by-clause review and final approval are expected to follow, with the budget slated for enactment by October.
The proposed allocation includes 1.4 trillion baht for agency operations, 820.8 billion baht for personnel expenses, and 632.9 billion baht for central budget allocations. Debt servicing is set at 421.9 billion baht, revolving funds at 274.6 billion baht, and 123.5 billion baht is reserved to replenish the treasury. An additional 98.8 billion baht will support cross-agency integrated expenditures.
In terms of strategic focus, the largest allocation, 942.7 billion baht, goes to social opportunity and equity, followed by 605.9 billion baht for human capital development and 605.4 billion baht for public sector reform. National security will receive 415.3 billion baht, while 394.6 billion baht is designated for enhancing competitiveness and 147.2 billion baht for environmentally sustainable growth.
A separate 669.3 billion baht has been set aside for general government operations, including emergency spending, public debt repayment, and treasury reserve replenishment.
The Budget Bureau has released all related documents, including stakeholder feedback summaries, through its official website. Lawmakers are expected to begin deliberations next week, with the goal of passing the budget in time for the next fiscal year. (NNT)
