Abhisit reveals opposition submits today for Constitutional Court to interpret 400 billion baht loan decree, questioning Ekniti's true target

At 10:00 AM on May 11, 2025, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), announced that the opposition will submit a request to the Constitutional Court at noon to rule on whether the 400 billion baht royal decree for addressing the energy crisis and transitioning to clean energy violates the constitution.

Abhisit stated that representatives from the Democratic Party met with the Pheu Thai Party on May 10 to discuss the petition, arguing that issuing the decree did not comply with constitutional conditions, which would only be justified for economic security reasons.

Abhisit highlighted the main issues: At least 200 billion baht of projects related to energy have little connection to current economic security needs. Comparing current economic indicators as of end-March from the Bank of Thailand's latest announcement—year-on-year exports are positive, investment is positive, consumption is positive, and the overall economy remains positive, including revenue collection through February meeting targets.

Abhisit emphasized that this is not about economic security and reaffirmed the party's position: While they acknowledge the economy is struggling due to war-driven oil price increases affecting production costs, the government's solution of spending 200 billion baht over four months is inefficient. He suggested that reducing excise tax for four months would cost only 60 billion baht, achieving the same result without violating constitutional conditions.

Abhisit criticized Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithaprasarn's dismissal of the excise tax cut as unfocused assistance, questioning what Ekniti really means by targeting and pointing out that the government itself hasn't opposed targeted measures like credit transfers through the state welfare card.