Key Takeways
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Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul confirmed that reallocating funds for the Half-Half Plus co-payment scheme aligns with fiscal guidelines, noting a 99 billion baht annual central budget. The previous administration allocated 25 billion baht for economic initiatives, but the scheme needs 44 billion baht, resulting in a 19 billion baht shortfall.
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The current government, which did not draft the budget, aims to draw from the emergency central fund to ensure effective implementation of policies addressing major challenges, particularly the economic crisis.
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In response to concerns about future funding, Paradorn clarified that the government usually utilizes 20–30 billion baht annually for emergency measures, assuring that sufficient funds will remain available for ongoing economic stimuli and urgent needs throughout the fiscal year.
Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul has affirmed that the government’s plan to reallocate funds from the central budget to finance the Half-Half Plus co-payment scheme is consistent with existing fiscal provisions.
Paradorn explained that approximately 99 billion baht is allocated to the central budget each year, while 25 billion baht had already been set aside by the previous administration specifically for economic stimulus measures. However, the scheme requires a total of 44 billion baht, leaving a shortfall of about 19 billion baht, which the government intends to draw from the 99-billion-baht emergency central fund.
The Minister acknowledged that the current administration did not draft the existing fiscal budget but is instead responsible for executing the one prepared by the previous government. As a result, it is crucial to establish appropriate funding structures to ensure the government’s policies are effectively implemented. He stressed that this administration has pledged to address four major national challenges, including the economic crisis, making it vital and urgent to allocate a portion of the emergency budget to support timely and effective policy implementation.
When asked whether the reallocation would affect future funding for other urgent matters, the Minister explained that the government typically utilizes 20–30 billion baht annually from the central fund for emergency relief and crisis response measures. He assured that ample funds will remain available to support additional economic stimulus initiatives and emergency needs throughout the current fiscal year.
