Bangkok: "Pakornwut" has expressed concerns about potential political accidents and emphasized the readiness for elections during discussions on the 2026 budget. The opposition, led by the Prachachon Party, is preparing to engage in detailed debates aimed at cutting unnecessary expenditures and addressing possible kickbacks in local government budgets.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, MP for the Prachachon Party and Chief Whip of the Opposition, shared insights into the upcoming debate on the draft of the 2026 Budget Expenditure Act, scheduled for May 28-30. He confirmed that time allocation among opposition parties has been finalized, with the Prachachon Party preparing a large group of debaters to tackle the country's economic crisis comprehensively. The focus is on ensuring detailed scrutiny of every ministry's budget to identify unnecessary expenditures.
Mr. Pakornwut urged the public to monitor the budget cuts closely, as these will be transformed into beneficial projects. He cited the digital wallet project as an example, where budget allocations for local governments were made hastily, raising concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of such financial decisions.
Highlighting potential kickbacks, Mr. Pakornwut noted that prior knowledge of proposed projects could lead to unfair advantages and financial misconduct. He reassured that the Prachachon Party has equipped its debaters, including notable figures like Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut and Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, to focus on cutting surplus budgets to address economic challenges.
When questioned about the performance of the debaters, Mr. Pakornwut expressed confidence in their experience and preparedness, noting that all MPs have been actively involved in committee work. He also addressed the internal dynamics of the coalition government, stating that the opposition has not been approached to debate specific issues stemming from coalition tensions.
Regarding the conflict between the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties, Mr. Pakornwut downplayed its impact on the budget passage, emphasizing that the priority should be decisions made in the best interest of the public. He reiterated that the Prachachon Party is prepared for elections at any moment, acknowledging the possibility of political upheavals and confirming the readiness with potential prime minister candidates.