Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party is gearing up to discuss the 2019 budget, showing support for the government's efforts to use it as a means to address various issues faced by the population. The party is set to engage in an extraordinary session focusing initially on the Emergency Decree aimed at resolving call center problems, followed by the issue of a 20-baht joint ticket.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, Deputy Spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, announced that during the extraordinary session of the House on May 28, the primary agenda will include the draft of the 2026 budget bill and other draft laws. The Prime Minister has emphasized a policy to tackle the issue of call center gangs. In response, the House of Representatives will deliberate on two draft laws: the Emergency Decree on the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crime and the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Business. These decrees, although already enforced following their announcement in the Royal Gazette, must receive approval from the House of Representatives. They mandate that commercial banks and the private sector share responsibility for damages incurred due to cybercrime if preventive measures are not fully implemented. Therefore, it is anticipated that the House of Representatives will pass the resolution.
Mr. Chanin also highlighted the consideration of the draft Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act, which aligns with the Pheu Thai government's campaign promise to implement a common ticket system. This policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, enhance accessibility to public transportation, address traffic congestion, reduce urban pollution, and facilitate urban expansion into areas accessible by public transport. The proposal includes reducing the fare to 20 baht per trip for the entire line, a practice that Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, assured will be implemented by September. In prior meetings, two laws consistent with this proposal were also considered.
Additionally, Mr. Chanin noted that the draft of the 2026 budget bill will be reviewed on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, with a vote scheduled for May 31. Discussions between the government and opposition whips have allocated 20 hours of debate time each. The Pheu Thai Party is prepared to engage in discussions supporting the budget, aiming to continuously resolve the public's problems in 2026. The party intends to offer objections and suggestions to maximize the budget's efficiency and directly address the people's issues. Preparing this budget is crucial as it addresses challenges impacting the Thai economy, requiring the government to be adequately prepared and ensuring the budget contributes to resolving these issues effectively.