Budget requests for 2020 must be in line with the 20-year national strategy, says Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The premier made the remark at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani, where he delivered his budget policies for 2020 to representatives of government agencies, state enterprises, and provincial governors.
"The drafting of the 2020 budget by various ministries must conform to the 20-year national strategy, as well as the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan 2017-2021," he said.
The 2020 Fiscal Year (FY) begins officially on Oct 1, 2019.
According to the premier, the drafting must be fair, transparent and serve the best interests of the country.
"King Rama IX's guidance on prudent spending must also be adopted to move the country forward," he said.
The draft must help reduce social inequality, and focus on sustainable development, Gen Prayut said.
The premier said the budget draft must also allow for youth and public participation in stamping out corruption, and that it must include performance indicators and proper checks and balances.
All agencies are required to propose their budget framework at least three years in advance, and spend their earmarked budget within a fiscal year, except in cases of multi-year projects, said Gen Prayut.
According to him, local administrative organisations (LAOs) would also be allowed to seek funding directly from the government in 2020, a move that the premier sees as decentralisation of power.
"LAOs must come up with expenditure plans that answer to the needs of local areas," Gen Prayut said.
The 72-page policy document was drafted by a panel appointed by the National Council for Peace and Order and endorsed by the cabinet in June. It took effect at the beginning of the fiscal year in October.
Under the 2017 charter, government agencies and public organisations budgets must comply with the national strategy.
