Constitutional Court Petition Submitted! Opposition Files Interpretation Request on 400 Billion Baht Borrowing Decree as Parliament Delays Agenda
The opposition has petitioned the Constitutional Court to review a 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree, with parliament suspending debate on the measure pending the court's constitutional interpretation ruling.
Parliament Speaker Sophon Saram has forwarded the opposition's petition to the Constitutional Court requesting interpretation of a 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree, with parliament postponing the agenda pending the court's ruling.
On January 13, 2025, following the opposition coalition's submission led by Nathpong Ruangpanyawut, list MP and Thai People's Party leader, the petition was filed through Speaker Saram on May 11.
The petition asks the Constitutional Court to determine whether the 2025 royal decree granting the Finance Ministry authority to borrow 400 billion baht—intended to address energy crisis impacts and advance the country's energy transition—violates Article 172 of the Constitution.
Speaker Saram formally submitted the petition to the Constitutional Court on May 12, with the court's office officially registering the document.
Although the government submitted the borrowing decree for parliament's agenda as of May 11, Speaker Saram has not yet placed it on the official agenda. Following proper parliamentary procedure, he is awaiting the Constitutional Court's complete ruling before proceeding, as parliament convention dictates that when members petition the court for constitutional interpretation, the legislature should suspend consideration of the matter until the court delivers its judgment.
