Bangkok: The Economic Stimulus Board is advancing with its evaluation of investment projects, having reviewed and passed 100 projects thus far. Mr. Paopum Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, announced that the economic stimulus initiative, aimed at mitigating the impact of the US tax measures labeled Trump 2.0, involves a funding allocation of 157 billion baht. Various agencies have submitted numerous projects for budget approval, with the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Board conducting preliminary screenings to ensure they meet initial criteria. The projects are categorized into four groups: infrastructure, tourism support, trade and export measures, and community economic stimulus projects.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Interior's request for an 80 billion baht allocation has passed the initial screening. These small infrastructure projects are seen as a means to bolster the domestic economy. The projects are not solely focused on trade-related measures or mitigating export sector impacts from US tax measures but are also intended as indirect economic stimulus efforts.
Infrastructure development projects, although not directly tied to trade, are considered vital investments that support the overall economy, notably at the community level. They are expected to create employment and strengthen the domestic economy, making it resilient to global economic fluctuations. Additionally, soft loans to assist SMEs are to be managed from alternative funding sources, not the 157 billion baht allocated for this initiative.
During the screening committee meeting, no projects have yet received approval. The committee aims to thoroughly examine project details to ensure efficient budget utilization while addressing economic stimulus objectives. Consequently, the economic stimulus policy committee meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, has been postponed from its scheduled date.
Mr. Pao Bhum stressed that, despite a possible easing of tensions regarding the US tax measures, uncertainty remains high. Thus, the government continues to prepare for ongoing negotiations at both official and policy levels, focusing on systematic coordination and strategic planning to safeguard the country's long-term interests.