Bangkok: Pichai Chunhavajira has been appointed as the chairman of the 69th Budget Committee, establishing the framework for weekly meetings. The committee, which will convene from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, will operate under Chunhavajira's leadership, with a total of 18 vice-chairmen, nine secretaries, and eight spokespersons.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai, Ubon Ratchathani MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and spokesperson for the special committee tasked with reviewing the draft budget bill for the fiscal year 2026, disclosed the outcomes of the committee's inaugural meeting. The meeting resulted in the appointment of Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, as the committee's chairman. Among the appointed vice-chairmen are notable figures such as Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, the Deputy Minister of Finance, and Ms. Manop Charoensri, the Deputy Minister of Transport.
The committee's leadership structure includes Mr. Jakkraphong Saengmanee, advisor to the Prime Minister, serving as the 4th vice-chairman, and Ms. Ratchanok Srinok from the Prachachon Party, who has been designated as the 18th vice-chairman. Other significant appointments include Mr. Wichai Sutsawat and Captain Anudit Nakornthap among the vice-chairmen, with representatives from various political parties taking on vital roles.
In addition to the vice-chairmen, the committee has appointed nine secretaries, with Ms. Chanok Chantatong, MP for Nong Khai from the Pheu Thai Party, as the 1st Secretary. The roles of these secretaries span across multiple parties, ensuring a broad representation within the committee's operational framework.
The committee's eight spokespersons, including Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatcharoj from the Pheu Thai Party, have also been named, tasked with communicating the committee's initiatives and progress. The meeting schedule has been meticulously crafted to accommodate 41 hours of discussion each week, ensuring comprehensive deliberation on budgetary matters.
The structured weekly schedule includes sessions from 13:00 to 21:00 on Mondays, extending to 21:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with shorter sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays. This rigorous timetable reflects the committee's commitment to thorough examination and discussion of the draft budget bill for the upcoming fiscal year.