Bangkok: Sirikanya Tansakul, a party-list MP for the Prachachon Party, has proposed a significant reduction in the central budget by 50 billion baht, citing inefficiencies and underfunding. She raises concerns over the current budget’s reliance on a record-high treasury reserve and highlights irregularities in the allocation of central funds for drought relief in specific government areas.

According to Thai News Agency, Sirikanya’s proposal targets a reduction from the central budget of 627,968.75 billion baht, pointing out insufficient disbursement for emergency spending and transfers to other debts. The treasury reserve reimbursement has surged by 123,541 million baht this year, marking an unprecedented level. The budget, designed for 2024, allocated over 118 billion baht for treasury reserve reimbursement. However, the current situation involves using the reserve for two fiscal years, leaving the 2024 budget for its intended purposes. The insufficient central budget for emergencies is evident, with nearly 40 billion baht in interest and civil servant pensions still owed, alongside 24 billion baht in medical expenses and 17 billion baht in salaries.

Sirikanya emphasizes the growing need for treasury funds in 2025 and potentially 2026, anticipating over 60 billion baht required for predictable expenses. The K-value, or compensation for fluctuating construction costs, may also demand additional compensation. Discrepancies in the central budget’s allocation for drought relief have prompted a review by the Budget Bureau, reducing the budget from 7.4 billion baht to 2.108 billion baht. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) continues to investigate these findings.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Chulaphan Amornvivat, addressed the budget allocation concerns, highlighting the volatile economic conditions impacting budget planning. The central budget for emergencies is crucial, covering disasters and border conflicts, and has increased by 1 billion baht to address public issues. Approximately 45 percent of the 2025 budget has been used for disaster relief and agency support, with 98 billion baht allocated for emergencies.

Regarding budget changes for 2025, Chulaphan noted that the Budget Bureau clarified Section 144 prohibits MPs from amending specific expenditures, although non-committal expenditures can be amended. Recent reductions in specialized financial institutions and government-sponsored programs comply with constitutional and legal standards. This matter is under the NACC’s jurisdiction, pending further investigation.