Finance Ministry Awaits Budget Approval Before Funding 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' Program, Reaffirms 4T Principles

On April 27, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithadtaprasth announced that the Finance Ministry is awaiting clarity on budget sources before finalizing the funding amount for the 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' program. The ministry has set a deadline of April 30 to determine remaining government spending and identify any surplus funds that can be allocated to the stimulus initiative. The government plans to proceed with budget reallocation legislation and consider alternative funding sources as appropriate.

Ekniti stated that the first Economic Cabinet meeting will be held next week to discuss economic measures, pending formal appointments from the Prime Minister. He also emphasized that government procurement represents 10-20% of global GDP and serves as a critical tool for shaping economic futures. Rather than focusing solely on spending amounts, he stressed the importance of efficient budget utilization.

The Finance Ministry is pursuing a 4T economic policy framework consisting of: Target (assisting vulnerable groups and small entrepreneurs), Transition (promoting renewable energy adoption for sustainability), Transformation (developing workforce skills through upskilling and reskilling), and Together (fostering collaboration between public, private, and civil sectors).

Ekniti outlined three pillars of modern procurement: digital procurement through the e-GP system for improved efficiency, green procurement for long-term sustainability, and innovation procurement to support startups and new technologies. He emphasized that effective government procurement directly impacts the overall economy by supporting small businesses, creating employment through community enterprises, and enabling broader economic participation.