PM holds firm as opposition slams budget bill

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented the 3.78-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the House of Representatives yesterday, as it began a four-day debate with a vote scheduled for Saturday.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

The opposition People's Party (PP), meanwhile, criticised the bill for not addressing current economic conditions and affirmed that the party would reject it.

Ms Paetongtarn said the spending proposal was prepared based on the forecast outlook for the economy, which was projected to expand to 2.3-3.3% next year due to increases in domestic spending and private investment, as well as the steady recovery of the tourism sector.

Inflation was expected to hover at 0.5-1.5%, and the current account was expected to have a 2.3% surplus of GDP.