Senators debate the 2027 budget; Nantana compares budgeting to relying on luck and betting everything on AI, expressing concern that Thailand's economy is slipping into a coma and citizens lack purchasing power.
At 10:00 AM on 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the Senate convened at the Parliament with General Kriengkrai Srirak, Deputy Senate President, presiding over the session to consider the 2027 fiscal year budget bill following completion of the House of Representatives' review. The Senate must approve or reject the bill within 20 days of receipt without amendments. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas presented the bill, which totals 3.78 trillion baht. The budget aims to drive key government policies addressing public issues, maintaining economic stability alongside fiscal discipline, responding to economic volatility, and meeting rapidly evolving challenges strictly within the government's fiscal discipline framework. The government expressed appreciation for senators' feedback and will use it to ensure budget expenditures deliver maximum value and benefit to the nation and its people.
Nantana criticizes the budget as relying on luck.
Senator Nantana Nantawaropas stated she would name this year’s budget after the Prime Minister, whom she called 'someone above luck,' dubbing it a budget decided by fate. She said such budgeting is like a map leading to an abyss, with citizens unable to rely on the government, noting that even the Prime Minister has to rely on lucky coins. Major ministry budgets were cut, but the Digital Ministry’s budget increased by 33%, questioning if it is a favored ministry. Everyone knows the government is betting everything on AI—can it truly develop the economy? Even the TH-AI Passport pilot project with a 1.6 billion baht budget failed before launch, not to mention numerous procurement complaints. Why set such a high central contingency fund of 700 billion baht? If approved by Parliament, it would be like writing a blank check. The larger the central fund, the more corruption, which does not increase GDP. Regarding the 788 billion baht loan, she criticized the government for borrowing future money without a clear repayment plan. If the government acts as a borrower but refuses to find funds to repay, the world will remember the government as irresponsible debtors jeopardizing the country's future.
Ms. Nantana added that the economy is currently in a coma, citizens lack purchasing power, and the government is bankrupt. If the government continues managing the country as it has, Thailand will not survive. People want a government that manages transparently, with good governance and accountability. Currently, the government faces many problems, many of which cause public concern but lack oversight, including the Khao Kradong case, collusion, Senate corruption in local exams, oil hoarding, and foreign shadow capital. Judging by the budget, the government has yet to find a way out of the crisis. Therefore, she cannot approve the government’s management of the 2027 budget.