Bangkok: Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has expressed confidence that the 2016 budget will successfully pass through the Senate. Pichai also anticipates that GDP growth for 2015 will surpass 2% as he advances targeted economic structural reforms aimed at boosting exports. He has ordered stricter control over the issuance of Certificates of Origin prior to exports to the United States.

According to Thai News Agency, Pichai stated that following the House of Representatives' approval of the 3.78 trillion baht draft budget bill for the fiscal year 2026, the government will proceed to submit it to the Senate for further review. Despite political concerns from various quarters, Pichai is optimistic that the Ministry of Finance will provide the necessary clarifications to the Senate committee. The government is open to making improvements based on recommendations to ensure the budget's passage.

In response to the National Economic and Social Development Council's assessment of 2% economic growth in 2025, the Ministry of Finance has considered several factors, including global economic issues, geopolitical conflicts, and US tax measures, which were in place before the current GDP assessment. By addressing these challenges, the Thai economy, including sectors such as exports, tourism, agricultural production, and industrial production, is expected to grow beyond the 2% forecast.

The Ministry of Finance is closely monitoring transshipment issues, particularly concerning goods exported to the United States. Thailand does not support transshipment, making it necessary to enforce strict issuance of Certificates of Origin for exported goods, especially those originating from the United States. In light of US suspicions, all parties are required to maintain stringent oversight to prevent defacement of exported goods.