The 3.75-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year smoothly navigated its first reading in the House of Representatives on Friday night, garnering 311 votes in favor, 175 against, and two abstentions. A diverse 72-member special House committee has been formed to meticulously examine the bill. This committee includes 18 members from the cabinet and 54 from both government and opposition parties. Their first meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, and they have a tight 30-day deadline to complete their review.
Representing the cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai extended his gratitude to the MPs for their enthusiastic contributions during the rigorous three-day debate. He emphasized the importance of the special House committee considering all the recommendations thoroughly as they delve into their work.
Phumtham assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the judicious use of the limited budget, meticulously planned to foster economic growth and serve the public’s best interests. He reiterated that the 2025 fiscal year’s spending plan is strategically crafted to stimulate economic advancement.
Moving ahead, the Move Forward Party (MFP) chief adviser, Pita Limjaroenrat, stepped up with a thought-provoking five-point proposal directed at the government. His plan included a comprehensive strategy for revenue collection and debt management, ambitious tax reform, and a transparent budget-making process. Pita stressed the significance of ensuring that the chairman of the special House committee overseeing the budget bill remains a government representative while encouraging public observation of the committee’s work to enhance accountability and transparency.
Earlier, on May 28, the cabinet had approved the substantial 3.75 trillion baht budget for the 2025 fiscal year, setting the fiscal timeline to commence on October 1 and conclude on September 30 of the following year. Tax revenue, projected at 2.88 trillion baht, alongside a loan planned to offset a budget deficit of approximately 865 billion baht, has been earmarked to fund the 2025 fiscal spending.
Particularly noteworthy is the allocation of 152.7 billion baht from the approved budget towards the government’s ambitious 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout initiative. Despite the larger deficit this year, a remarkable 908 billion baht is allocated for investment, reflecting a significant 27.9% increment from the previous fiscal year of 2024.
This careful balancing act of budgeting aims not only at stability and growth but also ensures transparency and public trust. As the special House committee moves forward with its critical task, all eyes will be on how these financial strategies unfold to shape the economic landscape in the coming year.
I really appreciate the attention to economic growth. It’s about time our government starts taking the long-term view.
You’re right, but my concern is where the loan will lead us. Are we just digging a deeper hole?
Loans can fuel growth if invested wisely. The key is in the details of the spending.
Right, but governments don’t have the best track record with handling loans efficiently.
This digital wallet initiative sounds like a great idea, but isn’t 152.7 billion baht a bit too much?
It could be a game-changer if managed properly. But I agree, that’s a hefty amount.
This seems like another gimmick to win public favor. We should focus on core economic reforms first.
Exactly, core reforms should always take priority over flashy initiatives.
Phumtham’s emphasis on accountability and transparency is reassuring, but will they actually follow through?
Politicians always talk big about transparency, but let’s see if they can walk the walk.
True, actions speak louder than words in politics.
A 27.9% increase in investment seems ambitious. Do we even have the capacity to manage that effectively?
Ambitious, yes. Realistic? I’m skeptical. Our infrastructure isn’t ready for that kind of rapid expansion.
Agreed, the infrastructure improvements must come first or this won’t go as planned at all.
MFP’s five-point proposal is interesting. Revenue collection and debt management should definitely be top priorities.
Absolutely, but let’s hope they don’t lose sight of the larger economic picture.
More public observation in the budget process is crucial. We need eyes on these politicians.
The budget focuses too much on short-term gains. We need sustainable economic strategies.
True, sustainable strategies will help avoid repeated deficits.
The 864-billion-baht deficit is alarming. Are we just pushing our problems down the road?
Exactly my concern, we can’t just keep borrowing and pretending everything is fine.
Long-term borrowing strategies need to be communicated clearly to avoid public mistrust.
The Move Forward Party has some decent ideas, but political infighting will likely derail progress.
Political unity is almost a dream at this point.
Public trust is essential. Without it, no budget is going to work effectively.
Interesting to see how the committee will scrutinize the budget. Hopefully, they won’t turn it into a political tug-of-war.
More investments in infrastructure could lead to increased job opportunities, right?
That’s the idea! However, efficient management is crucial to actually create those jobs.
Does anyone really believe they’ll meet the 30-day review deadline?
Unlikely! Real work takes more time than politicians often admit.
I’m cautiously optimistic about this budget. Execution is key though.
A transparent budget process would definitely rebuild some public trust.