Bangkok: Sirikanya Tansakul, a party-list MP from the People's Party, has criticized the 12 billion baht central budget allocation for economic recovery, arguing it duplicates the 400 billion baht loan decree. During the House of Representatives' consideration of the draft Budget Act for Fiscal Year 2027, Sirikanya urged Parliament to cut the allocation entirely, as both the regular budget and the loan are intended to be used to their full extent.
According to Thai News Agency, Sirikanya proposed a reduction of 50 billion baht in the central budget during the second reading of the budget act. This reduction includes 38 billion baht for emergency reserve funds and 12 billion baht for addressing economic and social issues, as well as mitigating the impact of energy price volatility.
Sirikanya noted that successive governments have continuously created new items in the central budget during crises. These items, initially meant for specific purposes, have been repeatedly included over the years, allowing for fund transfers without further parliamentary approval. She emphasized that the 12 billion baht allocation overlaps with the recent 400 billion baht loan decree, which already covers economic relief and recovery, including energy transition initiatives.
Expressing concern about the 400 billion baht loan decree, particularly the 200 billion baht allocated for energy transition, Sirikanya questioned the necessity of the additional 12 billion baht request. She mentioned the Budget Bureau's explanation of a Matching Fund format, which she supports, but questioned its inclusion in the central budget.
Sirikanya suggested that if the government wishes to implement a matching fund project, it can be established with relevant agencies without creating a new central budget item. She concluded by stating that if reducing the Emergency Decree on Borrowing is not feasible, a cut of 12 billion baht in the central budget for economic recovery and a 38 billion baht reduction in the emergency reserve fund should be proposed, totaling a 50 billion baht cut.