“Phraadon” revealed that the budget transfer under the Budget Transfer Act may be less than 30 billion baht to maintain economic gears, while immediately proceeding with the 400 billion baht loan decree. The bill is expected to be scheduled for parliamentary agenda on 14 May.
11 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Phraadon Prisanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Budget Bureau, revealed at the Government House the progress of budget transfers to address urgent national needs. Originally, the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Bureau estimated about 50 to 70 billion baht, but recently after review, the amount to be transferred back may be less than 30 billion baht.
Mr. Phraadon explained that the reason for the lower amount than targeted is the government's policy to allow projects to continue so the economy can keep circulating. The clear criterion is that any project not started by the 30 April deadline must have its budget withdrawn. However, for projects with budget commitments, the government chose to reduce the initial year's budget instead of canceling the entire project. For example, if originally 20% of the budget was approved for disbursement in the first year, it may be reduced to only 10-15% so the project can still start and avoid broader impacts.
Regarding the progress of the 400 billion baht loan decree, Mr. Phraadon said that although the opposition has filed a case with the court, since the law has been published in the Royal Gazette, parliamentary procedures can proceed as usual. The government has submitted the matter to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is expected that the Speaker will schedule it for a meeting agenda around 14 May 2026, depending on the Speaker's discretion whether to include the matter. .