Paladej Says Government Can Proceed with 400 Billion Baht Loan as Court Issues No Halt Order, Assures No Impact on 'Thai Helping Thai' Registration
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition challenging the government's 400 billion baht energy loan but issued no suspension order, allowing the Finance Ministry to proceed with borrowing processes while submitting clarifications within
At 4:05 p.m. on May 18, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister's Office Minister Paladej Panichanantkul addressed the Constitutional Court's decision to accept a petition reviewing whether a royal decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address energy crisis impacts and facilitate the country's energy transition violates the Constitution. Paladej clarified that the court has accepted the case for consideration and requested the Finance Ministry provide clarifications within seven days, but crucially issued no suspension order. This means all borrowing processes and committee proceedings can continue uninterrupted. When asked if the government might voluntarily pause operations despite the court's lack of a halt order, Paladej emphasized that since the court did not issue one, the Cabinet—which issued the decree—retains the authority to proceed. The government will submit its clarifications within the seven-day timeframe. Regarding the 'Thai Helping Thai' program registration scheduled for May 25, Paladej confirmed that the government will move forward with the planned launch date as scheduled.
