Bangkok: In a recent meeting to discuss the draft of the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Mr. Kanwee Sipsang, a party-list Member of Parliament from the Tham Party, expressed strong objections to the proposed budget. He outlined four primary reasons for his disagreement, which he believes highlight fundamental issues with the government’s approach to budget drafting and national priorities.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Kanwee emphasized that the current government lacks the professionalism necessary for drafting an effective budget. He referenced past administrations, noting that while previous leaders like Mr. Settha Thavisin and Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra managed to maintain some level of effectiveness, the present administration has failed to identify and address the real problems facing the country. Instead, Mr. Kanwee criticized the government for relying on outdated financial frameworks and failing to incorporate a vision that aligns with the country’s actual needs.

Mr. Kanwee further criticized the lack of leadership among government agencies, stating that civil servants are unable to articulate the country’s urgent needs effectively. He questioned the necessity of parliament when the opposition’s voice is diminished, suggesting that permanent civil servants might be more effective in budget preparation. He argued that the current practice of using the budget as a starting point, rather than identifying problems first, is a flawed approach.

Addressing concerns about national security, Mr. Kanwee pointed out the government’s inability to recognize and act on internal and external threats. He cited issues such as mining pollution on the border rivers and the potential impact of nuclear power plants in neighboring Myanmar as examples of neglected concerns that should inform budget preparation.

Mr. Kanwee highlighted the lack of attention to environmental and safety issues, including the construction of a rare earth city near the Thai border and the absence of proactive measures to address potential nuclear threats from Myanmar. He questioned the allocation of funds to various agencies, noting that investments often do not align with urgent national needs.

Additionally, Mr. Kanwee pointed out the significant budget allocation to the southern border provinces over the past two decades, questioning the effectiveness of such spending given the continued lack of peace and stability in the region. He emphasized the need for a coherent policy that addresses both immediate and long-term security challenges.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Kanwee criticized the inefficiency of the budget preparation process, citing an example of a costly medical project in Chiang Rai Province that lacked transparency. He called for greater accountability and a focus on projects that truly benefit the nation.

Mr. Kanwee’s critique underscores the need for a more strategic and problem-oriented approach to national budgeting, emphasizing the importance of leadership and vision in addressing the country’s most pressing challenges.