Parliament Halts Agenda on 400 Billion Baht Borrowing Decree, Awaits Constitutional Court Ruling Within 60 Days
Parliament suspended debate on a 400 billion baht borrowing decree after 135 lawmakers challenged its constitutionality, pending a Constitutional Court ruling due within 60 days.
Parliament postponed the agenda on the 400 billion baht borrowing decree on May 14, 2025, at the House of Representatives meeting. Second Vice Speaker Lert Sakthaichaikhul informed the chamber about the Cabinet's approval of the royal decree granting the Finance Ministry authority to borrow funds to address energy crisis impacts and facilitate Thailand's energy transition, totaling 400 billion baht. Before Speaker Sophon Sarameh could bring the matter to the agenda, Natthapon Rueangphaniyavut, list MP and Democrat Party leader, led 135 MPs—representing more than one-fifth of all MPs—in filing a petition requesting the Speaker refer the decree to the Constitutional Court, challenging its constitutionality under Article 172. Consequently, the decree's agenda item has been suspended pending the Constitutional Court's ruling, as mandated by Article 173 of the Constitution. Under Article 173, the Constitutional Court must complete its review within 60 days of receipt and notify the Speaker of its decision. Should the court rule the decree unconstitutional under Article 172, it will be void from inception. Any such ruling requires approval from at least two-thirds of all Constitutional Court justices—currently six votes out of nine justices. According to reports, Speaker Sophon submitted the petition to the Constitutional Court on May 12, and the court's office has already registered it.
