Nonthaburi: The Prime Minister has emphasized the necessity of optimizing every baht in the preparation of the 2016 budget to facilitate effective growth. Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, delivered these directives during the opening of a seminar on the fiscal year 2026 budget at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi. The event was attended by key governmental figures, including Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, and various leaders across government sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cohesive understanding in budget setting, aiming for every expenditure to tackle the country's challenges. The budget for 2016 is acknowledged as limited, prompting discussions on maximizing its effectiveness for public benefit. The Prime Minister's focus is on 'effective growth,' targeting a strategic budget allocation without increasing regular expenses.
Key budgetary guidelines were outlined: maintaining investment and subsidy proportions to foster economic growth, enhancing efficiency without increasing operational budgets, and avoiding an increase in workforce numbers by focusing on workforce development. The Prime Minister stressed addressing both internal and external challenges, including environmental issues such as global warming and economic concerns like household debt and employment.
The government's policy initiatives include resolving household debt, supporting SMEs, and introducing the 'You Fight, We Help' project to alleviate financial burdens. The digital wallet policy is designed to stimulate the economy and prepare citizens for future technologies. In tourism, Thailand is experiencing a resurgence in visitor numbers, with targets set for significant tourism revenue.
On the international front, the Prime Minister plans to attend the World Economic Forum to enhance Thailand's global investment appeal. Domestically, policies aim to increase agricultural value, restructure energy costs, and develop infrastructure to establish Thailand as a regional logistics hub. Social policies focus on equality and improving quality of life, evidenced by land lease initiatives for agricultural use.
The Prime Minister also addressed the rise in online crime, sharing personal experiences to highlight increasing sophistication in scams. Educational policies like the One District One Scholarship initiative aim to prepare the workforce for future opportunities. Land rights access, public housing projects, and the shift towards voluntary military conscription were also discussed.
Public administration reforms, including reducing monopolistic practices and unnecessary regulations, are prioritized to facilitate business operations. The government is committed to anti-corruption measures and enhancing democratic processes.
The fiscal year 2026 budget of 3,780,600 million baht requires strategic allocation to avoid increasing routine expenses. The Prime Minister urged government units to optimize budget use and consider alternative funding sources. Ministries and state enterprises are instructed to expedite investment disbursements to attract private and foreign investment.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister called for collective efforts in budget utilization to create opportunities for citizens, ensuring the budget serves public interests effectively. The government aims for cohesive understanding of common challenges and readiness to adapt to global changes, with a commitment to serving the monarchy and the people equally.