Police Budget Cut by 500 Billion Baht Hits Lower Ranks
Thailand's police budget was slashed by 500 million baht, forcing the force to dismiss poorly-performing officers and cut allowances and fuel expenses for lower ranks. Parliament approved the reduced police budget allocation during the 2025
The Budget Committee revealed that the National Police Commissioner has requested assistance after the police budget was cut by 500 million baht, affecting lower-ranking officers. The committee stated that poorly-performing officers stationed at checkpoints nationwide will be dismissed. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit requested to submit clarification documents.
On September 10, 2025, Parliament's House of Representatives convened under the chairmanship of Lert Sak Patanchaikul, second deputy speaker, to consider the 2570 fiscal year budget bill totaling 3.78 trillion baht in its second and third readings following the special committee's completion of review on day four, moving into Section 27 covering government agencies not under the Prime Minister's Office, ministries, departments, and units under the Prime Minister's supervision.
At 11:20 a.m., Boonchong Wongtriratkul, a Nakhon Ratchasima MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and acting as the majority committee member, explained that the National Police Office originally requested 1.7 trillion baht but the committee cut it to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Police Commissioner and senior executives presented clarifications but requested the committee's assistance, as the 500 million baht reduction impacts allowances and fuel expenses for lower-ranking officers.
Regarding the checkpoints established nationwide, the National Police Commissioner stated that checkpoint operations follow specific protocols requiring a sergeant-level officer as commander. While there are many good police officers, there are also problematic ones, as is common in all organizations. Therefore, any poorly-performing officers will be dismissed.
Boonluea Prasertphaosopa, a Ratchaburi MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and acting as the majority committee member, explained that regarding details of purchases for explosive disposal equipment, closed-circuit cameras, bulletproof vests, and shooting ranges for the police, which the ICT subcommittee reduced in budget, documents will be printed and submitted for clarification.
The meeting then voted to approve Section 27 with 270 votes in favor, 124 against, 26 abstentions, and 1 absent.
