Government procurement will focus primarily on investment in digital innovation and green initiatives, says Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
In his keynote speech at the International Public Procurement Conference, attended by countries across the Asia-Pacific region, Mr Ekniti said that Thailand’s public procurement system, overseen by the Comptroller General’s Department, plays a key role in shaping national development strategies.
In Thailand, public procurement accounts for around 10% of GDP, while in some countries it can be as high as 20%.
He added that Thailand aims to use public procurement as a tool to support the growth of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with certain advantages.
However, the core focus of Thailand’s public procurement strategy will be on investments in digital innovation and green initiatives to drive national development.
Mr Ekniti said the Comptroller General’s Department will enhance the efficiency of the public procurement system and make it more convenient for businesses contracting with the government, especially SMEs.
The department plans to develop the e-GP platform into a central platform accessible to financial institutions, enabling them to provide loans more easily to SMEs that are government contractors.
He also stated that digital systems will be increasingly adopted in procurement processes to improve transparency and speed. In addition, the department will make more of its data publicly accessible to further enhance transparency in government procurement.
Regarding the second phase of the government’s “Khon La Khrueng” programme, also known as the “Thai Chuay Thai” project, Mr Ekniti said that funding sources are currently under consideration.
One potential source is budget allocations that cannot be contractually committed by April 30.
The government plans to issue a budget transfer act to reallocate these funds for the programme, with the Comptroller General Department’s director-general and the director of the Budget Bureau assigned to review the matter.
Previously, Mr Ekniti estimated that uncommitted budget funds by April 30 could total between 80 billion and 100 billion baht.
The Thai Chuay Thai project is expected to begin by June. Initially, participants will receive 1,000 baht a month for four months. The government will cover 60% of the expenses, while the remaining 40% will be paid by participating citizens.