Bangkok, July 2 -- With 288 votes in favour, 119 against, with 86 abstentions, Thailand's House of Representatives on July 1 passed the 2027 budget expenditure bill in its first reading, or acceptance in principle, after three days of debate.

Before the vote, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said that the government is focused on strengthening the country's economic competitiveness, raising people's incomes and maintaining economic stability amid persistent challenges. He also called on opposition parties to offer constructive recommendations to improve the budget bill.

On the budget deficit, Ekniti acknowledged that in 2026, the country has faced overlapping crises, causing the deficit to rise to 4.4% of...