BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 The 2015 annual appropriations bill is likely to be delayed and the budget can only be 50% disbursed, if there is no general election within the year, according to the Bureau of the Budget.
Director Somsak Chotrattanasiri said it is waiting for a clear direction after the declaration of martial law this week.
The Bureau has to revise its working plan and budget calendar in line with the changing situation as it is now impossible to hold an election on July 20, as previously proposed by the caretaker government.
He added that the annual Budget Bill requires 8-9 months of drafting, hence a new general election should be held before December 31, 2014. Otherwise, a government formed with full authority but no lower house, cannot consider the Bill.
