Dr. Chalermchai Leads MNRE Executives in Budget Policy Meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Emphasizing Cost-Effective Spending for Maximum Public Benefit

On January 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), along with MNRE Permanent Secretary Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, led the ministry’s executives and department heads to attend a budget policy seminar for the 2026 fiscal year. The meeting was held at the Royal Jubilee Ballroom, Challenger Hall 1, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Nonthaburi. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over the event and outlined key budgetary policies.

The Prime Minister instructed all government agencies to frame the 2026 budget under the theme of ‘Productive Growth,’ ensuring precise and strategic allocation of resources. The three main budgetary principles emphasized were: (1) maintaining a balance between investment and subsidy budgets to sustain economic growth, (2) avoiding increases in operational costs while prioritizing efficiency improvements, and (3) limiting workforce expansion while enhancing personnel capabilities and ensuring equitable welfare distribution. Furthermore, agencies were advised to consider budget increases only when necessary and to avoid recurrent expenditures that do not contribute to long-term benefits.

Furthermore, in budget allocation, all agencies are urged to consider increasing budgets only when necessary and to avoid adding recurring expenditures. The focus should be on maximizing cost-effectiveness. Everyone is reminded to adhere to the Cabinet resolution of December 24, 2024, regarding the Medium-Term Fiscal Plan for the 2026–2030 fiscal years. Budget-receiving agencies must ensure that expenditures are as efficient and effective as possible, emphasizing value, cost savings, and maximum public benefit. Additionally, all government officials should work together to optimize the budget for the greatest impact, ensuring that it serves as a source of hope and opportunity for the people. The public should see that nearly 2 million government officials can responsibly manage resources to safeguard and support Thailand’s 66 million citizens while ensuring the most efficient use of the national budget.