Opposition Rejects 2570 Budget Bill, Demands AI Project Details

At 1 p.m. on July 1, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansagul, a party list MP and deputy leader of Pheu Thai, along with Phrixit Wachrasindu and Phakamon Nunanun, party list MPs and spokesperson, discussed the review of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill. Phrixit stated that after consultation among opposition coalition parties, the consensus is that they cannot accept the proposed budget. While each party will decide internally whether to vote disapprove or abstain, Pheu Thai confirmed it will vote against the bill.

Sirikanya noted that the debate revealed chronic fiscal problems left unresolved, with the government itself admitting to these issues raised by the opposition. However, examining the budget details shows systemic problems affecting all ministry and agency budgets with across-the-board cuts offering no clear solutions. While some welfare-related budgets were reduced, equipment, computer, and digital budget items increased.

Sirikanya criticized a 30 percent reduction in research and development funding through state funds as a poor signal that the country does not prioritize research and development. Though public health budgets increased, the expanded state welfare card budget is insufficient for future welfare obligations. Provincial budgets were cut over 20 billion baht, yet true decentralization funding increased only marginally by 7 billion baht.

Sirikanya said they have not received explanations from ministers over three days about budget priorities. Concerns extend beyond opposition MPs to government MPs themselves, surprised at major budget cuts and canceled projects with no ministerial explanation. She expressed concern that available budgets lack proper prioritization, with critical items cut while potentially unnecessary projects receive increases. When asked about committee-level expectations, Sirikanya said they expect detailed project justifications from the government, or committees will investigate why projects were cut or increased. Even with existing reductions, she believes further trimming is possible, citing examples like the 500 million baht cut to newborn welfare benefits despite declining birth rates and lack of adjusted criteria.

When asked to rate the debate, Sirikanya said this round was more measured and rational in questioning, expecting ministers to respond similarly. However, she found their explanations unconvincing and overly defensive.