Embattled Thai PM Prayut survives budget test in parliament

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand’s parliament passed a US$89 billion annual budget bill for the 2023 fiscal year, in a reprieve for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha who is facing calls to quit amid a raging debate over his eligibility to stay in office.

The 3.19 trillion baht spending plan, which also includes a deficit of 695 billion baht (US$19.3 billion), for the fiscal year starting Oct 1 received the backing of the majority of 500-seat lower house during the final vote late on Tuesday (Aug 23). While a total of 258 lawmakers supported the budget, 180 members voted against it after a five-day debate.