Politics
People's Party Urges Government to Address Student Loan Fund Shortfall
The People's Party has called on the Thai government to allocate central budget funds to the Student Loan Fund (SLF) to prevent thousands of students from dropping out of the education system.
On September 21, 2026, leaders of the People's Party, including Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and Sirikanya Tansakun, held a press conference at the Parliament to address a critical liquidity crisis within the Student Loan Fund (SLF). The party warned that the fund faces significant shortfalls for both 2026 and 2027, which could result in thousands of students being unable to continue their education.
According to the People's Party, the liquidity issue is exacerbated by existing borrowers struggling to repay loans due to current economic conditions. They argued that the government should have anticipated these repayment trends, as the fund was not designed to be entirely self-sustaining. The party has formally requested that the government redirect 7 billion baht from the central budget to stabilize the fund and ensure that students can remain in the education system.
For residents and observers, this situation highlights ongoing debates regarding fiscal policy and social welfare in Thailand. While the government has not yet issued a formal response to this specific request, the potential for educational disruption remains a point of concern for many families. It remains to be confirmed whether the government will approve the requested budget reallocation or seek alternative measures to address the fund's financial stability.
