Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed government agencies to cut down on unnecessary spending in the fiscal 2025 budget to ensure the government would have sufficient money for investments to spur the economy, the government spokesman said Thursday.

Three of US President Joe Biden's top aides warned on Tuesday that budget cuts would undermine the country's ability to compete militarily, diplomatically and economically with China, a rare joint appearance in Congress underscoring Washington's focus on competing with the Asian power.