"Siripong"Unveils the 2026 transport budget plan focusing on maintenance and ongoing projects, pressing for faster disbursement after overall progress remains sluggish at only 40%. The war has caused contractors to fear volatile K values, resulting in hesitance to sign contracts. The Ministry of Transport is ready to find support measures, expecting conclusions next month, and orders the use of off-budget and fund resources to improve residents' quality of life rather than leaving fund money idle.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiatti, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed following a meeting to accelerate budget disbursementfor the year 2026that the Ministry of Transporthas been implementingthe Prime Minister’s policy to focus mainly on maintenance. However, the ministry also recognizes the necessity of ongoing projects to ensure smooth transportation in each area, including long-delayed projects. At the same time, it has ordered a halt to new office building projects, opting instead for leasing to save budget.
Regarding the current budget disbursement situation, overall disbursement remains quite low at around 40%, below the target, with some agencies disbursing only 20%. The main cause is the war situation creating concerns over fluctuating construction material prices, affecting the calculation of the K value (price index used to measure construction cost changes), as the allocated budget may no longer suffice amid soaring prices.
“Manywinning bidders remain uncertain about the situation and have yet to sign contracts, causing delayed disbursement figures. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport has held discussions with the Budget Bureau, Department of Highways, and Department of Rural Roads to find relief measuresfor contractorsand expects clear measures to be announced next month.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister has ordered all agencies to report disbursement status at the end of each month and to provide updates in the first week of the following month. He emphasized considering the use of off-budget funds and various funds such as the Nice Number Fund (for road safety) to maximize benefits for the public, especially through small projects that immediately improve quality of life, like installing traffic signals or widening shoulders in rural areas, which cost only 3-5 million baht.
“We do not wanteach agency to hoard money without benefit, because if funds are not used quickly, the budget will be pulled back.All of it.”Mr. Siripong concluded by aiming for the Ministry of Transport to accelerate disbursement with maximum efficiency, matching nearly100%
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