Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday tabled his government's delayed 3.48 trillion baht (US$101.52 billion) budget bill for 2024 in the House of Representatives, kicking off a three-day debate among lawmakers.
"The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward," Mr Srettha told parliament.
Thailand's economy is expected to grow 2.7% to 3.7% this year, he said, adding that inflation is expected to be between 1.7% to 2.7%.
Parliament will vote on the budget this week and it is expected to be ready by early May.
The country's economy grew much lower than expected 1.5% in the July-September quarter from a year earlier, the slowest pace this year, on weak exports and government spending.