Thai Cabinet Meeting: 2027 Budget and Disaster Recovery Focus

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed government agencies to prepare Thailand’s fiscal 2027 budget with a focus on addressing four major national threats: economic instability, security concerns, social problems, and intensifying natural disasters.

The directive was issued during a meeting of government agency leaders held at the Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Centre in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, on Monday, December 1, 2025. Anutin chaired the session, which included heads of key ministries, state enterprises, local administrations, and provincial governors.

The fiscal 2027 budget, which begins in October 2026, has a tentative ceiling of 3.78 trillion baht. All agencies are required to submit their proposed spending plans to the Budget Bureau by December 26, 2025.

Anutin emphasized that the budget must be crafted to address urgent crises quickly and sustainably, balancing economic development, social welfare, and fiscal discipline. He stated that the government must equip Thailand to cope with the four identified challenges through targeted and precise spending.

The budget preparation aligns with the government’s broader policy framework, including the “10 Plus” initiative, which aims to strengthen Thailand’s global role, promote trade, agriculture and tourism, and accelerate accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development by 2028.

In line with crisis conditions, Anutin has also ordered a review and reduction of non-essential or misaligned projects to ensure maximum efficiency in budget utilization. The fiscal 2027 budget process differs from previous years due to the highly volatile global environment, particularly conflicts in the Middle East, requiring urgent adaptation by the government sector.

The government has outlined five key policy pillars for the budget: economy, foreign affairs and security, society, disaster and the environment, and public administration. On the economic front, priorities include income distribution, economic restructuring, and targeted measures to support key sectors.

Anutin referenced a personal anecdote during the meeting, joking that while he wished he had the surname ‘Leekpai’ (associated with avoiding danger), he ended up with ‘Jerpai’ (facing danger), a playful nod to former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.