Government Refuses New Budget for Student Loan Fund With 7 Billion Baht Deficit
The government refused to increase funding for the Student Loan Fund despite a 7 billion baht deficit, prompting Parliament criticism that universities are barring students from study due to delayed payments.
On September 17, 2025, Parliament convened with Speaker Sophon Saramee presiding over a special interpellation session. Democrat list MP Ratchanok Srinok questioned Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin about confusion surrounding the Student Loan Fund (GSFP), though the PM delegated his response to Deputy Prime Minister Pradorn Parisunanondkul.
Ratchanok stated that many students who borrowed from the GSFP lack confidence they will receive continued tuition payments after the first semester, and several universities have threatened to bar students from further study because the fund is not allocating money to institutions. She criticized the government for refusing to increase the GSFP budget even by one baht during 2025 budget deliberations, while redirecting those cuts to village funds and solar energy projects. She urged relevant ministers to brief the budget committee on solutions.
Pradorn acknowledged complaints from constituents and incoming MPs, noting that the GSFP's role is to support students from low-income families—those earning no more than 360,000 baht annually or holding state welfare cards. He explained that 2025 added eligibility criteria favoring fields with market demand, but students in non-priority fields still receive support. He pledged to coordinate with Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to address universities refusing exam admission pending GSFP approval, aiming to reassure students.
