BANGKOK: Thailand’s parliament approved the annual budget after a months-long delay, providing a fillip for the country’s struggling economy. The 3.2 trillion baht (US$106bil) spending plan received the backing of the 253 lawmakers.
The 3.2 trillion baht spending plan received the backing of 253 lawmakers on Saturday in Bangkok, with 196 abstaining. Outlays were supposed to start Oct. 1 but were delayed by government formation and the legislative process after last year’s general election, which ended a prolonged period under a junta.
The passage of the bill strengthens the pro-military ruling coalition, whose slim parliamentary majority became a little more comfortable after recent by-elections. The vote was viewed as a test of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha’s ability to shepherd key legislation through a bitterly divided legislature.
"The coalition is in a stronger position than last year, but the Thai economic slowdown will pose a wider test of its popularity," he added.
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