Thailand’s Senate approves THB3.788 trillion budget for 2027

Thailand’s Senate approved the fiscal 2027 budget expenditure bill worth THB3.788 trillion by 145 votes to five, with 12 abstentions, at a special sitting at Parliament on Friday (September 11, 2026).

Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, first vice-president of the Senate, chaired the sitting after the House of Representatives had passed the bill and a Senate ad hoc committee had completed its study.

The Senate was legally required to complete its consideration within 20 days.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas presented the bill, explaining that it would provide agencies receiving budget allocations with a spending framework for fiscal 2027.

The budget was intended to advance key government policies, address problems affecting the public, maintain economic stability and strengthen public finances so they could withstand economic volatility and rapidly changing challenges.

It was aligned with the National Strategy, the Master Plan under the National Strategy, the national economic and social development plan, national security policy and planning, the Sustainable Development Goals and ministerial action plans.

Its preparation required agencies to work in an integrated manner to reduce duplication.

Allocations were based on factual analysis, urgency, priorities, current conditions, the necessity of agencies’ missions, their operational capacity and past performance.

Spending was also required to provide value for money, be economical, efficient and effective, and comply strictly with the government’s financial and fiscal discipline framework.

The budget covered all sources of funding, including budgeted and off-budget funds.

Agencies were instructed to consider using revenue and accumulated balances for public-sector operations and national infrastructure development.

Other funding sources included loans, public-private partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure development funds and the Thailand Future Fund.

The government said the approach would reduce pressure on the national budget and comply with constitutional provisions.

The House adjusted allocations following consideration by its ad hoc committee, with a majority approving every amended section.

The review considered agencies’ readiness and capacity, operational targets, past performance and priority missions supporting economic stimulus and recovery.

It also focused on people’s living conditions, direct public benefits, economic resilience against volatile domestic and external factors, and sufficient funding for agencies to perform their duties.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul thanked the Senate for approving the bill.

He expressed regret that an overseas engagement had prevented him from attending Parliament to hear the House proceedings, but said he had intended to attend the Senate’s consideration and personally convey his appreciation, which he regarded as a great honour.

Anutin described the budget as an important instrument for advancing government policy, the National Strategy and development plans, making the country secure and its people happy, promoting fairness, reducing inequality, supporting sustainable economic growth and developing a public administration system responsive to people’s needs.

“The government gratefully accepts the guidance, recommendations and concerns raised by senators and will take them into consideration when making improvements so that the public receives the fullest possible benefit.

I also thank the committee for studying the fiscal 2027 budget bill through to completion and providing observations on budget preparation that will benefit the government’s administration,” Anutin said.

He added that the government would closely supervise spending to ensure transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, tangible results and accountability.

Expenditure would follow the prescribed policies and support the country amid changing circumstances, in keeping with the government’s intentions and the Senate’s commitment and goodwill.