Bangkok: "Anutin" is confident that the 2016 budget debate will not be interrupted, emphasizing that the Bhumjaithai Party will not vote against it. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, assured that the Bhumjaithai Party would support the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2026. The debate for this budget, set to begin on May 28-31, is anticipated to proceed without issues as it has already been reviewed at both ministerial and cabinet levels, signaling agreement among the coalition parties.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin dismissed claims that the Bhumjaithai Party might obstruct or vote against the budget, clarifying that the party itself crafted the budget for the four ministries under its purview, amounting to over 1 trillion baht. Anutin stressed the importance of expediting the budget's approval to benefit the populace and assured that there would be no internal conflicts within the government regarding this matter.
Anutin confirmed that all Bhumjaithai Party members would support the budget, emphasizing the government's unity. He reiterated that the process would be smooth, having been approved by the Cabinet, and urged against creating unnecessary concern or perceptions of conflict.
Regarding the opposition's preparation of over 50 members to debate the budget, Anutin stated the necessity for the involved ministries to be ready to explain and clarify any doubts. Having been through this process multiple times, he emphasized the importance of transparency and preparedness in addressing any questions that might arise during the debate.
In relation to the Ministry of Interior's project proposals stemming from the 157 billion baht economic stimulus budget, Anutin explained that the Department of Local Administration is responsible for collecting and initially assessing these requests. They will then be forwarded to a subcommittee, with the Ministry of Finance ensuring they meet the required criteria. The focus will be on infrastructure projects, including roads, water systems, flood prevention, water storage, and tourism, all within a specified framework.