PM outlines modest budget increase with sustainability focus

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today that the 2027 national budget is estimated at about 3.78 trillion baht, with a focus on precise and targeted spending, cuts to unnecessary expenditure, a 20% cap on budget increases, and the promotion of solar panels and other clean, renewable energy schemes.

In presenting these guidelines to senior officials in charge of budgeting, the prime minister noted that the volatile global situation, especially conflicts in the Middle East, is affecting global energy security and economies, including Thailand’s.

He said the budget guidelines cover the economy, foreign affairs, social development, measures to cope with natural disasters, effective water management, legal reform, and public sector re-engineering.

The budget for the 2027 fiscal year will represent a minimal increase of just 0.2% over the current year’s budget, the prime minister said, adding that the government places strong emphasis on investments that lay the groundwork for sustainable national development.

Due to budget constraints, the prime minister urged all state agencies to reduce spending on “study trips” and the construction of new office buildings, and to consider renting office space instead.

On the energy crisis, he said he has asked all state agencies to refrain from buying new official vehicles and instead rent EVs from the private sector, both to cut costs and mitigate the impact of rising oil prices.

On national defence, the prime minister said his government places importance on protecting Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity.