Goods are loaded at Bangkok Port, Thailand (Photo: VNA)Deputy Spokeswoman of the Thai Government Rachada Dhnadirek said the framework approved by the cabinet on December 21 aims for 3.2-4.2 percent growth in 2023, 2.9-3.9 percent in 2024, and 2.8-3.8 percent in 2025 and 2026.
Net state revenue for 2023-26 is projected at 2.49 trillion THB, 2.56 trillion, 2.64 trillion and 2.72 trillion, respectively. The expenditure budget is estimated at 3.19 trillion THB in 2023, 3.27 trillion in 2024, 3.36 trillion in 2025, and 3.46 trillion in 2026.
Rachada said the government needs to continue running a deficit from 2023-26 to stimulate an economic recovery following the pandemic.
The government also needs to rely on borrowing for social and economic rehabilitation, she said.
The deputy spokeswoman cited a Finance Ministry report to the cabinet on the continued risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in 2022, possibly leading to renewed government measures to cope with new infections and repair the damage inflicted by the virus.
She said the government also needs to prepare for risks caused by global megatrends such as climate change and an ageing society, which may affect the state's revenue collection efforts and its fiscal burden.
However, Rachada said the Thai government has pledged to adhere to fiscal discipline while looking for ways to increase state revenues.
Under the framework for 2023-26, the deficit is projected to be 695 billion THB in 2023, 710 billion in 2024, 723 billion in 2025, and 736 billion in 2026. The framework is subject to periodic revision to ensure it aligns with the economic environment.
The framework for 2022-25 aimed for 3-4 percent growth in 2022, 2.7-3.7 percent in 2023 and 2.9-3.9 percent in 2024./.
VNA
