Bangkok: The Prime Minister reiterated that all government agencies should reduce expenses and maintain fiscal discipline. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, chaired a meeting to consider the budget framework for fiscal year 2027 among key agencies including the Budget Bureau, the Ministry of Finance, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Bank of Thailand. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, and other relevant officials.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister highlighted the necessity for government agencies to reduce expenditures and maintain economic stability while preparing budgets within the specified timeframe. The meeting focused on reviewing the 2027 annual budget, setting expenditure and revenue estimates, and assessing the government's fiscal position at least three years in advance. The budget review aims to ensure the government can implement key policies amidst global uncertainties, particularly the conflict in the Middle East affecting energy security and the Thai economy.
The public sector is urged to enhance efficiency with fewer resources, leading to constraints on the 2027 budget. The emphasis is on maintaining fiscal discipline and stability by reducing expenditures that do not align with the current situation. The Prime Minister also requested agencies to review budget allocations to adhere to government guidelines and ensure that the budget is ready for use by the start of the 2027 fiscal year.
Previously, the Cabinet approved the 2027 budget framework at 3.78 trillion baht, a slight increase from the 2026 budget of 3.78.6 trillion baht. The government's total revenue for 2027 is estimated at 3.58 trillion baht.