Bangkok: The Prime Minister proposed a draft bill to transfer 10,328 million baht from the 2026 budget to increase flexibility in handling urgent tasks, emphasizing the need for efficient, transparent, and optimal use of the budget for the benefit of the people.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented the draft Budget Transfer Act B.E. .... at a special session of the 27th House of Representatives, chaired by Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament.
The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Cabinet, stated that the draft Budget Transfer Act of 2026 aims to reallocate budget items from the 2026 fiscal year to the central budget, specifically the reserve fund for emergencies or necessities, totaling 10,328,065,100 baht. This proposal comes in response to Thailand's economic and social crises driven by both domestic and international factors affecting citizens and the national economy.
The government's mission is to address, restore, and mitigate the impacts of the crisis. The previously allocated reserve fund of 99,000,000,000 baht has proven insufficient, prompting the need for this budget transfer. The bill intends to cover costs associated with the crisis and other potential emergencies or urgent needs within the fiscal year.
The bill has two main objectives: to transfer 10,328,065,100 baht from budget-receiving units to the central reserve fund and to provide a mechanism for addressing security, economic, social, and environmental issues. This transfer aims to enhance public administration efficiency in response to evolving situations and maximize national benefits.
The government asserts that the Annual Budget Transfer Act aligns with the state's fiscal discipline framework, enabling flexible management of the fiscal year 2026 budget for timely problem-solving and maximizing benefits for the nation.
The draft bill is consistent with Section 35, paragraph one, of the Budget Procedures Act B.E. 2561 (2018), which permits budget transfers only through legislative approval. This ensures compliance with legal requirements.
The draft Budget Transfer Act includes criteria and guidelines for transferring budget appropriations, as per the Cabinet resolution dated June 2, 2026. The budget transfer focuses on unspent recurring expenses and capital expenditures deemed unnecessary or postponable without government detriment.
The government has considered budget management for the third and fourth quarters, aiming to support public services, social justice, local job creation, and income generation. The proposed budget reallocation amounts to 9,039,794,900 baht for budget-receiving units and 1,288,270,200 baht for integrated expenditure.
Once enacted, budget-receiving units can request allocations from the central reserve fund for emergencies or necessary tasks, adhering to regulations on central budget management. "The government sincerely hopes to receive your support in accepting the principles of the draft Budget Transfer Act B.E. .... so that the government can use the national budget to carry out urgent and necessary tasks efficiently, cost-effectively, transparently, and to produce tangible results for the nation and its people."