Democrat Party Abstains On 2570 Budget Vote
The Democrat Party abstained from voting on Thailand's 2570 fiscal year budget on July 1, citing disagreement with the government's budget allocation methods while warning that outright rejection could trigger an economic crisis.
On July 4, 2569, Democrat Party spokesperson Pongsak Khwanmuang disclosed details about the July 1 vote on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill, explaining that the party's lawmakers voted to abstain without any hidden political motives. He reaffirmed the party's commitment to quality opposition work.
Pongsak stated the Democrat Party has a clear position: disagreement with the government's budget allocation methods, which require substantial improvement. He cautioned that if the majority vote rejects the budget in the first reading, Thailand would face a budget crisis that would intensify existing economic and livelihood problems.
The party chose abstention to demonstrate to the government that budget allocation methods need further refinement at the committee level. Pongsak noted the party has employed similar voting tactics in the past to lead to appropriate budget improvements.
Meanwhile, Democrat Party list representative Karan Chatikvanit posted on social media clarifying that opposition parties typically abstain during first-reading budget reviews. He emphasized that while the country requires budget implementation, the party abstained specifically because it disagreed with the government's budget allocation methods, citing deficiencies highlighted by multiple lawmakers during previous debates.
