Government Dismisses Democrat Party's Threats to File Constitutional Court Suit Over 400 Billion Baht Emergency Loan Decree

Government spokesman disregards Democrat Party's plan to petition the Constitutional Court over the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, calling it a legal right while asserting the government must use the measure to address energy and cost-of-living crises. On May 6, 2025, government spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek explained the government's position regarding the Democrat Party's preparation to file a Constitutional Court petition questioning whether the 400 billion baht loan decree is necessary and urgent, noting that while it is a legal right, the government maintains that swift implementation of measures to mitigate energy crisis and living cost impacts is urgently necessary and cannot wait. Thailand currently faces pressure from global conditions, particularly volatile energy prices that directly affect public living costs, production sector expenses, and the nation's competitiveness. Without prompt relief measures, the country risks high inflation coupled with economic recession that would be far more difficult to remedy than current challenges. The government has established two approaches: accelerating relief for public living costs and reducing production sector expenses, especially agriculture, while simultaneously restructuring the nation's energy use to reduce fossil fuel dependence and build long-term energy security. Rachada stated that those who believe swift action is unnecessary and suggest using standard budget processes fail to understand that regular budgets are set in advance, requiring time for adjustments and causing delays. Critically, standard processes are insufficient to combat the current crisis since we are in the latter half of the fiscal year with the new budget beginning in October, which may not come in time to address the immediate crisis. The government therefore must use the emergency decree mechanism to help citizens and businesses move forward promptly. She confirmed that all actions operate within fiscal discipline frameworks and do not affect the public debt ceiling of no more than 70 percent of GDP, with all projects undergoing screening, verification, and transparent public disclosure. Clear timelines for assistance programs such as Thai Helping Thai Plus-Fifty-Fifty target June 1 implementation, with increased welfare card disbursements to deliver funds to people as quickly as possible and stimulate economic circulation. The government has a duty to make decisions based on the necessity to care for people and sustain the economy through the crisis. Every step aims to provide swift assistance combined with prudence, transparency, and accountability, while the opposition may have different opinions.