On May 20, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft of the Budget Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, with a proposed budget of no more than 3.78 trillion baht. The draft, vetted by the Budget Bureau and the Council of State with 39 supporting documents, is set for parliamentary deliberation from May 28–30.
The Prime Minister assured that the coalition parties are in full agreement, with no anticipated conflict or surprises. Any amendments to the budget will be handled through parliamentary mechanisms, but all parties are aligned from the start.
Following the Cabinet meeting, Paetongtarn, also leader of the Pheu Thai Party, held further discussions with coalition leaders to reaffirm support for the bill. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security and leader of the Chartthaipattana Party, dismissed rumors about potential opposition to the bill, emphasizing the importance of timely budget passage to support the current economic climate.
He confirmed that all parties share the same direction and are committed to passing the bill. While there have been media rumors about tensions between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, Varawut clarified that talks were amicable, and all parties focused on ensuring their respective ministries use their allocated budgets efficiently and effectively. Coalition members are prepared to respond to any questions or scrutiny from the opposition during the debate.