Bangkok: The Senate Whip has confirmed that the meeting for the 2016 budget bill will proceed as scheduled on September 1-2. The acting Minister has stated that there are 70 senators prepared to debate the bill, which is expected to take two days of discussion before a vote for approval.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pisit Abhisit Apiwatanapong, Senator and spokesman for the Senate Special Committee on Senate Affairs, confirmed that despite the recent changes in government, the Senate will consider the draft Budget Act for the 2026 fiscal year as planned. The acting Minister, who is responsible for drafting the 2026 budget, is expected to present and clarify the bill without issues. The changes in government stemmed from the Constitutional Court's ruling that removed the entire Cabinet following the resignation of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister.
Mr. Pisit noted that approximately 60-70 senators have signed up to debate the bill, with each senator allocated 10 minutes for discussion. The debate will cover topics ranging from the overall fiscal picture to specific areas such as the central budget, treasury, economy, society, security, natural disasters, and public administration. A vote on the bill is scheduled to take place on the evening of September 2, following the completion of the debates.
When questioned about the expected outcome of the Senate's voting, Mr. Pisit indicated that he was uncertain of the result, as it is the Senate's prerogative. However, he expressed his personal hope that the bill would pass to avoid budget disbursement issues and enable agencies to operate effectively in addressing public concerns.