Bangkok: Prasert Jantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Integrated Budget Preparation Committee for the fiscal year 2026. The committee, focusing on the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan, has approved a strategy to enhance water security across various dimensions, aligning with the objectives of the 20-year water master plan. The meeting, which took place at the National Telecommunications Public Company Limited in Bangkok, was attended by key figures including Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Dr. Surasee Kittimondol, and representatives from 18 agencies and six ministries.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of efficiently utilizing the fiscal year 2026 budget to maximize benefits for the public and the nation. The committee reviewed the results of the 2025 integrated water resource management plan, the observations of the Special Committee on the Draft Budget Act, and the Water Resources Action Plan for 2026. The approved plan involves over 14,000 projects with a budget exceeding 244,700 million baht.
The meeting encouraged agencies to integrate and systematically plan their operations, ensuring transparency, verifiability, and cost-effectiveness. The aim is to address water-related issues such as consumption, flooding, drought, and quality across all 22 river basins. The strategy takes into account river basin potential, public needs, and sector participation to balance conservation, restoration, and sustainable water use.
Dr. Surasee Kittimondol, Secretary-General of the ONWR, highlighted that the 2026 water resources action plan screened over 53,000 ready projects, amounting to more than 420,800 million baht. Approved by the NWC, these projects will be considered for the integrated water resources management plan using the 20-year master plan as a framework, aligning with national strategy and sustainable goals. The integration encompasses area-based and project-based approaches to address water resource issues effectively.
The draft plan for 2026, managed by the 18 agencies, aims to increase water storage by over 1,036 million cubic meters, benefiting millions of rai and households. Agencies are urged to submit budget requests and project priorities to the Budget Bureau by January 31st, following the budget calendar.