The People's Party is actively dissecting the 2027 budget expenditures and the draft Budget Transfer Act, while keeping a close watch on the TH-AI Passport project. They point out that submitting a no-confidence motion against the government will not be possible in this parliamentary session.
At 10:30 a.m. on 14 June 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Parit Watcharasinthu, a party-list Member of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the People's Party, spoke at the Future Forward Building about the readiness to consider the draft Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 2027. It is expected that the draft Act will be presented to the House of Representatives for the first reading around late June or early July. The People's Party has prepared topics and selected speakers to cover budget scrutiny across all missions and ministries.
This also includes consideration of the proposal for the 2026 Budget Transfer Act, which aims to reallocate unnecessary funds from 2026 to other purposes. It is necessary to assess the actual amount the government can transfer. This is expected to be presented to the House around the same time. The People's Party is preparing for both readings. The key is to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent on worthwhile projects that truly improve people's quality of life and are conducted transparently.
Regarding budget scrutiny of the TH-AI Passport project, which has not gone through the normal budget process, Mr. Parit stated that the People's Party insists on reviewing and halting the project due to observed irregularities in its implementation and concerns about the Terms of Reference (TOR). On 15 June, the People's Party will hold a detailed press briefing. The suspicious TOR aspects have also been seen in other projects, such as the skill portfolio system procurement approved during the tenure of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation from the Bhumjaithai Party, included in the 2026 budget. This was previously challenged during the second reading committee stage but was ultimately approved by the majority at that time.
Following inquiries to the parliamentary committee on budget study and monitoring, it is known that the current Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, has ordered a complete revision of the TOR to address concerns raised by many. It is hoped that these issues will be resolved and will not appear in the new TOR.
When asked about whether a no-confidence motion against the government would be too late for this parliamentary session, Mr. Parit responded that it will be scheduled for the next session, as the current session will close in mid-July. The exact timing will be discussed with opposition parties first. .