Finance Secretary Confirms Government Agencies Beginning to Request Use of 200 Billion Baht Loan Funds in Second Tranche
Government agencies have begun requesting funds from a second 200 billion baht loan tranche, with a screening committee now evaluating which projects qualify for each allocation round.
Finance Secretary Luarwan Saengsonit discussed the consideration of using the remaining 24 billion baht from the first tranche of the 200 billion baht borrowing decree, noting that which projects will receive funding depends on proposals submitted by relevant ministries. Each ministry is currently reviewing whether they have projects that align with this decree, and those seeking to utilize the funds can submit project proposals. The Finance Secretary revealed that requests for the second 200 billion baht tranche have already begun arriving, with a screening committee to evaluate which projects fit better with the first or second budget allocation. Regarding a cabinet resolution to assist vulnerable groups lacking welfare cards and access to technology, Saengsonit stated that the Interior Ministry will conduct outreach to identify those who have fallen through the cracks and determine what assistance can be provided. When asked about the volume of incoming requests, he noted that only one project has passed cabinet approval as of May 19, and acknowledged the need to review the overall 400 billion baht budget picture.
