Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti stressed the necessity of transferring the 2026 budget into a central emergency reserve for the energy crisis and drought, focusing on balancing public relief, economic recovery, and fiscal discipline.
On 26 June 2026, during the 25 June parliamentary session reviewing the draft Budget Transfer Act for the 2026 fiscal year in its first reading, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti Nitithanprapas explained to the House that Thailand and many countries have faced economic crises, from the Middle East war to volatile energy prices—creating overlapping crises that raised living costs and production expenses, severely impacting people's livelihoods. Last year, Thailand also faced border crises and floods, and this year signals a potential drought crisis. Given limited budgets, the government has managed and used all tools to care for and assist the public while maintaining balance. Moody's recognition of Thailand as a country effectively managing the global economic situation, upgrading its economic credit outlook from negative to stable, confirms the government's adherence to fiscal discipline.
Aekniti further noted that Thailand’s economic growth figures and his efforts to accelerate budget disbursement prove that disbursement rates are higher than in previous years. Public investment grew 13% in Q1 and 9.4% in Q2, with the latest data showing growth over 10%. Therefore, it is essential to maintain balance in driving the economy and providing public relief. He emphasized that the remaining funds must be transferred to a central emergency reserve to address the energy crisis and drought, ensuring the government has the budget to support the people. He reaffirmed that under his management, Thailand's economy has recovered better than many expected, improving the country's competitiveness.
"I appreciate all observations and affirm that the government will use the budget to drive the economy, restore the country's competitiveness, and care for and assist the public. The parliamentary committee will consider these views when reviewing and amending the draft."