Opposition Party Maps Two Scenarios For Energy Loan Verdict
Opposition parties warned the Constitutional Court on July 8 that rejecting the government's 400-billion-baht energy decree could create financial complications, while questioning whether the second 200-billion-baht tranche lacks sufficient
On July 8, 2569, opposition party representatives Sirikanya Tansakul and Weerayut Kanchanchuchart held a press conference at Parliament regarding the Constitutional Court's July 9 hearing on whether the government's 400-billion-baht energy decree violates Article 172 of the Constitution. Sirikanya outlined two main scenarios: the decree passes entirely, or it fails. She warned that if rejected, complications would arise since 200 billion baht has already been disbursed to Thai Help Thai Plus projects and state fund allocations. The remaining 200 billion baht lacks emergency necessity and clear roadmap, raising concerns about fund padded with unnecessary projects under the guise of crisis response.
Weerayut expressed heightened concerns about the second tranche of 200 billion baht designated for energy transition, noting the complete absence of conditions, targets, or timeline for achieving the transition. He warned of potential budget manipulation and questioned whether the December 2570 spending deadline would create pressure for inefficient fund utilization. As the decree represents significant public debt, ineffective implementation risks wasting resources without achieving energy transition goals. The party called for government accountability should damages occur.
Party leader Natthapon Ruangpanyanvut suggested that if the court rules negatively, the government will need to reassess cabinet ministers' performance, as evidenced by recent credit rating downgrades and ongoing evaluation demands.
