Bangkok: Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party list MP and chairman of the coalition government coordination committee, has reiterated that the Senate does not have the authority to vote against the 2016 budget. According to Wisut, the Senate is limited to either approving or rejecting the proposal without the ability to amend it.
According to Thai News Agency, Wisut addressed concerns about the Senate’s potential rejection of the 2026 budget bill. He clarified that the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives had submitted it to the Senate on August 18th. The Senate is required to complete its review within 20 days.
Wisut emphasized that the Senate must either approve or disapprove the bill within this timeframe, as it cannot be amended. Should the Senate fail to complete its deliberation within 20 days, it will automatically be considered as having approved the resolution from the House of Representatives.
He further explained the process: if the Senate approves the budget, it moves forward for royal endorsement. Conversely, if disapproved, the budget returns to the House of Representatives, as outlined in Article 143, paragraph 4 of the Constitution. The House would then conduct a second vote, and if the budget receives more than half of the votes, it will be passed for royal endorsement.
Wisut expressed confidence that there were no issues with the current process, which is expected to conclude by next month. He stressed that the Senate’s role is limited to approval, and any dissent does not pose a problem since no amendments are permitted. Wisut downplayed concerns about potential political maneuvering, reiterating that the Senate’s sole duty is to approve the consideration without making changes.