Most of the major political parties campaigning for the general election on May 14 are focusing heavily on reaching out to voters through populist platforms, such as cash handouts, farm and energy subsidies and short-term measures to deal with issues requiring immediate attention.

 

Thailand’s public sector has long been criticized for being oversized as well as lacking in efficiency and transparency.

 

As a result of this serious structural shortcoming, as much as 75 percent of annual government revenue gets earmarked for routine spending, such as on salaries and compensation for state officials, operating and utility costs and other maintenance items. For example, the government has budgeted expenditure for fiscal year 2023 at 3.185 trillion baht, but capital spending accounts for only 695 billion baht, equivalent to 21.82 percent of the total budget, while current spending takes away 2.4 trillion baht, or 75.26 percent of total revenue.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/political-parties-fighting-shy-of-strong-stance-on-much-needed-public-sector-reform/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-05-04

 

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I wonder where the rest of the money goes?

3 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder where the rest of the money goes?

Is that natural padding or a money belt?