Parliament passes B3tn budget bill at first readingPrime Minister Prayut Cha-o-cha speaks in Parliament during a budget debate on Thursday. (Parliament photo)Parliament on Friday passed the first reading of a 3.185 trillion baht draft budget bill for the 2023 fiscal year starting Oct 1, aimed at supporting an economic recovery. The budget is crucial to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government as it attempts to boost Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, hit by the coronavirus pandemic. After a three-day debate, the bill passed with 278 votes in favour, 194 against, and two abstentions. The bill has to pass second and third readings in August before being sent for senate and royal approval.

Source: Bangkok Post June 03, 2022 05:07 UTC