Economy
Concerns Raised Over 13 Billion Baht Digital Economy Budget
A prominent political figure has criticized the allocation of 13 billion baht for the Digital Economy Fund, specifically questioning the efficiency of the 'Cloud First' policy.
According to a report by Matichon Online on September 8, 2026, political figure Kardee has publicly scrutinized the government's 13 billion baht Digital Economy (DE) budget. The critique centers on the 'Cloud First' policy, with Kardee arguing that the current approach to centralizing digital infrastructure may lead to bloated costs rather than streamlined efficiency.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this debate is significant as it concerns the management of public funds allocated for national digital transformation. As the government pushes for a more digitized public sector, the effectiveness of these investments directly impacts the quality and reliability of digital services available to the public. If the 'Cloud First' initiative faces budgetary or structural challenges, it could potentially delay the rollout of improved government e-services or lead to increased operational costs that affect the broader digital landscape.
At this stage, the claims remain a matter of political discourse. It is yet to be confirmed whether the government will adjust its budgetary strategy or provide a detailed breakdown to address these concerns regarding cost-effectiveness. Observers are waiting to see if official agencies will release a formal response to justify the current expenditure and the technical architecture of the Cloud First policy.