Krawee revealed that the 2027 Budget Committee is nearing completion of budget reduction discussions, cutting a total of 11 billion baht, while reallocating funds to nine agencies as necessary. The 3 billion baht allocated for settling the Klong Dan loss remains under discussion for resolution next week. It is expected to be submitted to the parliament for second and third reading consideration from 7-9 September.
At 13:30 on 21 August 2026 at the parliament, Mr. Krawee Prisanantakul, Ang Thong MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and spokesman for the special Budget Committee reviewing the 2027 fiscal year budget bill, announced the committee’s review results. The committee has completed detailed consideration of budget reductions and reallocations, with a total cut of 11 billion baht from seven subcommittees. After careful review, the committee resolved to reallocate the reduced amount to nine items: 1. Central budget reserve for emergencies, 6,044 million baht; 2. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 148 million baht; 3. Office of the Vocational Education Commission for educational materials, 96 million baht; 4. Royal Thai Police for education projects serving children and youth in remote areas under royal initiatives, 96 million baht; 5. Office of Social Enterprise Promotion, 4.2 million baht; 6. Village and Urban Community Fund, 35 projects totaling 500 million baht; 7. Fund for the Promotion of Science, Research, and Innovation, 4,000 million baht; 8. Secretariat of the House of Representatives for public relations to promote democracy and political participation, 24 million baht; and 9. Office of the Attorney General, 247 million baht.
Mr. Krawee added that the committee cut 3 billion baht from the Pollution Control Department’s budget intended for the second installment of the Klong Dan legal case settlement. After thorough consideration, the committee noted unresolved legal issues regarding rights claims, with the case not yet final and unclear when court rulings will conclude. Therefore, the committee deemed that allocating funds now might lead to lost opportunities if the case does not resolve. The reduced funds were returned to the central budget reserve, earmarked for the Pollution Control Department to pay according to final court orders if issued.
Mr. Krawee further stated that regarding the Student Loan Fund (SLF) in the 2027 fiscal year, the committee increased its budget to 9 billion baht, double the amount from 2025. This assures that the government continues to prioritize and support the public. Reviewing the fund’s management efficiency revealed that 220 billion baht is due for repayment, with an accumulated outstanding balance of 110 billion baht. Collecting repayments from graduates will return funds to the SLF, preventing it from becoming a government burden. Next week, on 27-28 August, the committee will finalize the article-by-article report and submit it to the House Speaker to schedule the second and third readings for 7-9 September, adhering to the budget timeline that enables the 2027 budget to take effect on 1 October.
When asked about the approach to reviewing the central budget’s 12 billion baht to address energy price volatility, which may overlap with the loan decree, Mr. Krawee said the committee has discussed the matter and will consider details next week during the article-by-article review. The committee will assess whether the overlap is real and if portions are necessary. If the committee disagrees with removing the budget, it can reserve its opinion to debate during the second reading in the parliamentary session.