Kattiya Outlines Five Ministries' Budget Plan To Boost Human Capital
Pheu Thai MP Kattiya argued that five ministries' combined 657-billion-baht budget allocation prioritizes human capital and social security as Thailand's foundation for economic growth, though the Labor Ministry faces constraints with only
During the June 30 parliamentary debate on Thailand's 2570 fiscal budget, Pheu Thai list MP Kattiya Savatdipol championed budget allocations for five ministries under Pheu Thai-aligned ministers, arguing that social-sector investment in human capital and social security forms the true foundation for the country's economic development and cost-of-living solutions.
The Education Ministry received the largest allocation at 360 billion baht—9.49 percent of the total budget. Kattiya emphasized that the challenge goes beyond simply building schools; quality and equity must take priority, including boosting student performance on PISA assessments and reducing inequality through the 15-year free education program and various scholarships, totaling over 90 billion baht.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, despite receiving only 26 billion baht, plays a critical role supporting vulnerable groups. It has shifted from reactive relief toward sustainable self-reliance and universal basic welfare access.
Kattiya highlighted a troubling budget issue at the Labor Ministry, which received 73 billion baht but dedicates roughly 90 percent (66 billion baht) to permanent expenses and social security contributions. This leaves only about 7 billion baht for actual policy implementation—a potential shortfall for upskilling Thailand's 40 million workers in an era requiring advanced skills and technology readiness rather than wage cuts.
Regarding agriculture, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry's 120 billion baht allocation represents a 9-billion-baht cut from the previous year amid global supply chain disruptions and rising production costs. The Irrigation Department received 78 billion baht, but over 91 percent is tied to ongoing capital projects and personnel, leaving just 959 million baht for operational flexibility to manage water crises and drought. Kattiya supports the ministry's shift toward value-added agricultural products for global markets over low-margin commodity sales.
