Anuthon Insists Emergency Loan Decree is Urgent, Says He Wouldn't Have Issued It Without Confidence

Prime Minister Anuthon Chauyvarakul reaffirmed that the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree is necessary and urgent, dismissing the opposition's petition to the Constitutional Court. He insisted the decree won't disrupt relief programs for citizens, stating he wouldn't have issued it without confidence.

Speaking at Government House at 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2025, Anuthon addressed the opposition's move to have the Constitutional Court review the decree. He stated that the government, in its administrative capacity, determined that the measure was urgent and beneficial. He expressed confidence that planned projects would not stall because the decree has already been published in the Royal Gazette and is in effect, though there may be some minor delays while one-fifth of parliament members' petition is being considered by the parliamentary speaker as an agenda item. Anuthon noted that government work supporting citizens continues alongside efforts to deliver relief funds.

When asked if the government had a backup plan in case the Constitutional Court ruled the decree unconstitutional, Anuthon responded that the government is performing its duty to alleviate people's hardship, emphasizing this is an executive matter. When pressed again on whether a contingency plan exists, the Prime Minister said there is only one plan: to help the people. When further questioned whether the Cabinet's position would guarantee the decree, prompting concerns about backup plans if the court rules otherwise, Anuthon stated he had reached his limit on the matter, saying simply: if you're not confident, you shouldn't issue a decree in the first place.