Bangkok: “Pichai” has been appointed as the chairman of the 69th Budget Committee, setting the groundwork for weekly meetings to address the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2026. The committee, comprising 18 vice-chairmen, 9 secretaries, and 8 spokespersons, will convene on weekdays, excluding public holidays.

According to Thai News Agency, the committee’s first meeting, held at the parliament on June 9, confirmed Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, as the chairman. The meeting also appointed 18 vice-chairmen, including Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, as the 1st vice-chairman, and Ms. Ratchanok Srinok, MP for Bangkok from the Prachachon Party, as the 18th vice-chairman.

The committee’s vice-chairmen represent a diverse range of political backgrounds, with members from various parties, including the Bhumjaithai Party, Pheu Thai Party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, and others. The secretarial team consists of representatives from similar parties, ensuring a balanced approach to the fiscal planning process.

The committee’s weekly meeting schedule is structured as follows: Mondays from 13:00 to 21:00, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 09:00 to 21:00, Wednesdays from 09:00 to 18:00, and Fridays from 09:00 to 16:00, totaling 41 hours of deliberation each week. This comprehensive schedule reflects the committee’s commitment to thorough examination and discussion of the budget bill.