Thai PM proposes $102 billion budget to parliament

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday announced a 3.48 trillion baht ($101.52 billion) budget for the second half of the current fiscal year, kicking off a three-day debate among lawmakers. "The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward," Srettha told parliament. The new budget for the second half of the fiscal year ending September 2024 sees a 9.3% rise in spending and a drop of 0.3% in the budget deficit to 693 billion baht from the previous year. The proposed budget does not include some items already allocated for the first half of this fiscal year, such as civil servant salaries. The lower house will vote on the budget this week and it is expected to be ready by early May.