The House of Representatives has approved the first reading of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Bill, with 322 votes in favor and 158 against. Two members did not vote, and there were no abstentions. The proposed budget totals 3.7806 trillion baht and includes a planned reimbursement of 123.541 billion baht to the treasury reserve fund.
The vote took place during a special session after four days of debate between government and opposition members. The session was chaired by First Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan. With the bill now approved in principle, it will proceed to the next stage of legislative review.
The budget, submitted by the Cabinet, outlines projected national spending for 2026, covering allocations across various sectors, including public services, infrastructure, and debt repayment. The planned reimbursement is intended to restore funds previously drawn from the reserve to support earlier fiscal needs.
Following the vote, the House approved the formation of a 73-member special committee to examine the bill in detail and propose revisions. The committee comprises 18 Cabinet members and 55 Members of Parliament from both coalition and opposition parties. It has 30 days to complete its review before the bill returns for further deliberation.
Among the 55 MPs selected, 35 represent coalition parties, including Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, Kla Tham, Democrat, Chart Thai Pattana, and Prachachat. Nineteen are from opposition parties such as the People’s Party, Palang Pracharath, and Thai Sang Thai.
Source: NNT
