Bangkok: Alongkot Worakit, Vice Chairman of the Special Committee on the Study of the Draft Budget Act for Fiscal Year 2026, has refuted claims that the Senate is planning to reject the 2016 budget bill, emphasizing the detrimental impact such a decision would have on the national economy. He clarified that the Senate’s role is limited to providing observations rather than making alterations, and he chose not to comment on significant budget reductions for the Ministry of Interior and alleged kickbacks for local governments.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Alongkot discussed the ongoing review of the 2026 Budget Act, which is scheduled for its second and third readings by the House of Representatives from August 13-15. While the Senate committee continues to scrutinize the budget and engage with heads of government agencies for clarifications, their primary responsibility remains to offer observations on any unusual budget allocations. Examples include the Ministry of Education’s high budget for debt collection from student loan defaulters and budgets perceived to be bribes or related to corruption issues.
When questioned about the House committee’s decision to cut the Ministry of Interior’s budget by 2.148 billion baht, Alongkot remarked that addressing this issue lies with the Interior Minister and the government party, not the Senate, as their role is to provide comments.
Addressing concerns over budget allocations to politically affiliated local areas, Alongkot explained that local budgets are divided into regular allocations and special subsidies, both following provincial and ministry procedures. He dismissed suggestions of any orders affecting budget transfers, and cited the case of Mr. Pichet Chuamuangphan, who was removed from the House of Representatives, as an example of careful scrutiny without partisan bias.
Responding to rumors of potential Senate disapproval of the 2016 budget bill, Alongkot firmly rejected the notion, questioning the grounds for such a decision. He highlighted the importance of timely budget approval given the current economic climate, noting that any delay would be counterproductive.
“My personal opinion is that there’s no reason to stop it. While there are observations, we shouldn’t delay budget passage in this current economic climate. Fast budget approval means fast disbursement,” Alongkot stated. He dismissed claims of budget concentration in certain provinces, asserting that budget dispersal is not approved and benefits are minimal due to slow fund distribution.
Addressing further observations of potential provincial budget kickbacks, Alongkot stressed that senators lack the authority to veto, reduce, or change budgets, unlike MPs, questioning the source of such allegations.
He concluded by reiterating that budget concerns are primarily the responsibility of MPs, while the Senate awaits their considerations. Observations from the Senate will be presented at their meeting on August 25-26 for further evaluation.