Bangkok: The House of Representatives approved Section 4 of the 2016 budget, totaling 3.78 trillion baht. Chulaphan confirmed that the Budget Committee will consider everything appropriately and adhere to the law, and is confident that there is sufficient ammunition to drive economic growth amid the risks of the global situation.

According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives meeting to consider the draft Budget Act for the fiscal year 2026 was chaired by First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chaiya Promma. Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat, Vice Chairman of the Special Committee, clarified Section 4 of the 3.78 trillion baht budget, stating that the committee considered the budget based on the needs of each budget recipient. However, he did not deny the risks of the global situation and various economic risks. He confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has sufficient capacity to collect revenue at an appropriate level, without impacting future budget expenditures, and has adequate supporting measures, including treasury reserves and legal mechanisms. He believes the budget can be managed completely and without problems, in accordance with the Constitution, the Public Fiscal Discipline Act, and the Budget Procedures Act.

Mr. Chulaphan also stated that the current budget is part of building confidence in the economic system. Government spending is crucial for economic growth. If government spending is reduced, it will negatively impact the economy and create uncertainty in the private sector and investment. Therefore, the committee insists on sticking to the allocated budget and reassuring us that there are sufficient resources, such as a high treasury balance and a 50 billion baht trial payment. These mechanisms are sufficient to address the country’s problems and drive economic growth.

The meeting then voted in favor of Article 4, as per the majority of the committee, with 256 votes in favor, 138 against, 73 abstentions, and 1 vote not cast.