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Thailand House debates 3.788 trillion baht fiscal year 2027 budget
The Thai House of Representatives has commenced the second and third readings of the 2027 fiscal year budget bill, totaling 3.788 trillion baht. The debate has highlighted significant disagreements regarding investment allocations and departmental funding.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, acting as the budget committee chairman, stated that the committee has reduced the total budget by 11.162 billion baht to ensure fiscal stability and address redundant agency functions. Major reductions were noted in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Defense.
Opposition members have raised concerns over the investment budget. Surachet Praveenwongwut criticized the allocation of investment funds, alleging they favor specific contractors and lack long-term vision. Meanwhile, Jaturon Chaisang of the Pheu Thai Party argued that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is underfunded despite being critical for driving the nation's AI and technology-driven economic goals.
Other discussions included calls for a 'Zero Growth Budget' to manage rising public debt and debates over the central budget, which saw an increase to approximately 699.9 billion baht to cover emergency and necessary expenses.
Entities
Anutin Charnvirakul · Ekniti Nitithanprapas · Ministry of Defense · Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation · Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment · Parliament of Thailand · People's Party · Sirikanya Tansakul · Supachai Jaismut · Surachet Praweenwongwut · Thai House of Representatives · Thai Parliament
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Surachet Praveenwongwut proposed a reduction in the 3.78 trillion baht investment budget. www.thereporters.co
- [● 6 SOURCES] The House of Representatives is debating the 2027 fiscal year budget bill in its second and third readings. www.naewna.com · www.thereporters.co · www.infoquest.co.th · www.ptp.or.th · www.matichon.co.th · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, serves as the chairman of the budget committee. www.infoquest.co.th
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The budget committee reduced the budget by 11.162 billion baht. www.thaipost.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The budget for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) was set at 47.524 billion baht. www.naewna.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment saw a budget reduction of 3.1295 billion baht. www.thaipost.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jaturon Chaisang argued that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) receives an insufficient budget compared to its role in driving the economy. www.ptp.or.th
- [● 4 SOURCES] The total budget amount is 3.788 trillion baht. www.thereporters.co · www.infoquest.co.th · www.matichon.co.th · www.thaipost.net