Bangkok: "Teng" is preparing his team to dissect the 70-year budget, targeting the Digital Economy and Society (DE) budget, which is expected to increase by almost 30%, with AI projects projected to reach 100. He revealed that his team is ready to dissect the 2020 budget, pointing out that while the overall allocation appears better, it still addresses the same old problems. He targeted a nearly 30% increase in the Digital Economy and Society budget, with over 100 AI-related projects. Meanwhile, "Mai" emphasized that strict scrutiny will remain the same.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, commented on the readiness for the debate on the 2027 Budget Bill, stating that speakers are prepared. However, he noted that while the overall budget might superficially appear improved, it's merely addressing past problems. For example, significant cuts have been made to investment budgets in several areas deemed unnecessary for future industries, such as the construction of government buildings. Cuts were also made to increase pension payments and other recurring expenses. Therefore, it's merely addressing existing problems. The major shortcomings remain, such as essential investment in agriculture to increase yield per acre, and budgets for disaster management, like managing wildfires or PM2.5. Regarding major ministries like the Ministry of Transport, significant investment budgets have been cut. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) saw an almost 30% increase, raising questions about the term "AI," as th e number of AI-related projects increased from 30 to 100, which is something the party is closely monitoring.
Another issue of concern is off-budget funds, such as the case of the Thailand AI Passport, which uses funds from the Digital Economy Fund, an off-budget fund. This will be within the scope of the discussion.
Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, stated that they have planned approximately 30 speakers to discuss various issues of public interest at this time. These issues include where budget cuts will occur, the impact on the finances of regular contractors, and the supporters of specific political parties. She urged the public to stay tuned.
Regarding the military budget, Ms. Sirikanya stated that even in difficult circumstances, there are ways to make procurement more efficient without increasing the budget. However, she noted that the 2027 budget lacks a clear alignment with the government's core policies, and that the government's proposed projects are not as concrete as advertised-projects like volunteer nurses, for example, have yielded significantly less implementation than initially planned. Similarly, the target for volunteer soldiers, initially set at 100,000, has been reduced to only 25,000. This issue falls under the security-related budget. Furthermore, the budget for the southern border provinces lacks an integrated plan and has been drastically reduced; the specific cuts need to be investigated. The 2027 budget reflects the long-standing problems within Thailand's national budget.
Regarding the scrutinized alleged cheating in the Ministry of Interior's examinations, Ms. Sirikanya stated that the matter will be discussed. She added that the budget for the examinations will be reviewed, noting that while it may not be substantial, it was used for other operational purposes.
Ms. Sirikanya stated that she is not worried about being protested against by the minister's bodyguards, especially regarding the TH-AI Passport issue of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, because the public listening to the debate can judge for themselves whether the protests are reasonable or not.