On November 29, the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, chaired by Surachit Phongsingwittaya, held a special session at the Bangkok City Hall to approve an additional budget of 14,549,503,800 THB for the fiscal year 2025. This budget, drawn from Bangkok’s reserves, will be used to pay overdue operation and maintenance (O&M) costs to Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) following the Supreme Administrative Court's July 26, 2024, ruling.
Out of 43 council members present, 33 voted in favor, while 10 abstained. The council instructed agencies to expedite disbursement to reduce interest burden on the city.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated after the meeting that payment is expected by late December 2024 or early January 2025, following the budget's publication in the Royal Gazette. Interest calculations will align with the court’s ruling, and the full budget may not be required if payment is made ahead of the January 22, 2025, deadline.