Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has been allocated a significant budget for the fiscal year 2026, totaling 261,292 million baht. This budget, which represents an increase of 16,715.58 million baht or 6.83% from the previous year, will be presented to the House of Representatives for the first time from May 28-31.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, detailed the allocation, which is divided into regular expenses and investment expenses. Regular expenses have been set at 30,666 million baht, showing a slight decrease of 43.3 million baht, while investment expenses stand at 230,626.33 million baht, marking an increase of 16,758 million baht or 7.84%.
The budget allocation comprises funding for nine government agencies, amounting to 200,756.18 million baht. Notable allocations include the Office of the Permanent Secretary receiving 1,123.8 million baht, reflecting a 99.28% increase, and the Department of Highways with 131,932.2 million baht, marking a 3.47% increase. Conversely, the Marine Department and the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute faced reductions of 13.4% and 46.2%, respectively.
Additionally, five state enterprises will receive a total of 60,536.3 million baht. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand is set to receive the largest portion, with 33,258.17 million baht, an increase of 42.9%. The Expressway Authority of Thailand is also seeing a substantial increase of 35%, with a budget of 2,653.6 million baht. However, the State Railway of Thailand will experience a 9.7% decrease in its allocation.
Mr. Suriya further explained that the investment budget includes new items, with a single-year item allocation of 146,881 million baht, increasing by 6,551 million baht or 4.67%, while new commitment items will see a decrease of 35%.
The Ministry of Transport's budget will undergo its first reading in parliament from May 28-31, followed by committee consideration and discussions in August. The government expects the budget to be finalized and announced before the start of the fiscal year in October 2025, aiming to drive the economy efficiently.