'Chris' erupted during the 2570 Budget Committee session, demanding cuts to loans granted to Cambodia, insisting that Thai people would certainly not accept it, highlighting Cambodia's outstanding debt to Thailand exceeding 1.7 billion baht.
On 8 Jul 2026 GMT+7, at the Extraordinary Committee meeting to consider the draft Budget Act for fiscal year 2570, Mr. Chris Potranan, party-list MP from the Economic Party and committee member, questioned the budget related to Cambodia totaling 18.2 million baht plus an additional 13 million baht off-budget for two projects: Cambodia's R60/67 compensation project and the interest compensation project for the Stung Bot permanent border crossing development.
Mr. Chris stated in the meeting that, given the current tense situation between Thailand and Cambodia, the government must explain to the public why Thailand continues to allocate budget related to assisting Cambodia, despite Cambodia's substantial long-term loan debt to Thailand, which according to the meeting's explanation, currently stands at about 1.745 billion baht.
"I believe it is unnecessary under these circumstances; providing funds now won't achieve anything. The amount is not large, but if the public sees this, they will not understand. The issue remains unresolved, and Cambodia's stance is unacceptable to the Thai people. Therefore, I believe we cannot allocate budget to this project," Mr. Chris said.
Mr. Chris proposed cutting the budget for both projects, emphasizing that although the amounts are not large compared to the national budget, they represent a 'political symbol' that the government must cautiously consider, as many Thai citizens question why, at a time when the country must protect Thai interests, the national budget is still linked to financial obligations related to Cambodia.
Representatives from relevant agencies explained that these projects have been ongoing for a long time and are contractual obligations requiring payment. The interest compensation budget is not paid directly to Cambodia but relates to Thai financial institutions such as EXIM Bank. If the budget is cut, the affected parties will be Thai financial institutions, not Cambodia. They also confirmed that debt repayments are being made on time without issues.
Nonetheless, Mr. Chris insisted on a thorough review of the details. Mr. Pradorn Prisanantakul, the meeting chair, summarized that the matter should be 'suspended' for now and referred to a subcommittee to examine the contract terms, financial obligations, and impacts on Thai financial institutions comprehensively.
The Economic Party affirmed that consideration of the 2570 budget must be based on the principle 'Thailand must come first,' especially amid ongoing public concerns about Cambodia's stance. Every baht of budget must be accountable, transparent, verifiable, and must not give the public the impression that the government prioritizes foreign financial burdens over the feelings and interests of the Thai people.