Bangkok: "Weera" asks the Bank of Thailand whether comparing foreign debt and Thai reserves is a cause for concern or not. In a recent meeting of the Budget Committee 69, Mr. Weera Thiraphat, a member tasked with evaluating the draft budget bill for the fiscal year 2026, raised several pertinent questions regarding Thailand's economic strategies and future financial projections.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Weera sought clarity from the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) on the anticipated import tariff rate, following negotiations with the United States government, the Department of Commerce, and the Trade Representative. These figures are crucial as they will serve as a basis for assessing the economic impact on Thailand.
Mr. Weera also questioned the Bank of Thailand about the country's net foreign debt, which stands at approximately 190 billion US dollars. He inquired whether this debt, when compared to Thailand's current foreign exchange reserves, poses a significant concern for the nation's economic stability.
Additionally, Mr. Weera sought assurance from the Ministry of Finance regarding income estimates for the year 2025. He expressed concerns about a potential income shortfall in 2026 and requested information on how much the estimated figures are expected to fall short. He also questioned the role of the Minister of Finance as the main negotiator with former United States President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the net expectation of Thailand's import tax rate.
Finally, Mr. Weera addressed the Budget Bureau regarding the funds previously disbursed under Section 28, seeking further clarification on these transactions.