Pheu Thai Expects Court Ruling on 400 Billion Baht Emergency Decree Within Two Weeks, Emphasizes MPs' Role in Explaining Necessity
Thailand's Constitutional Court is expected to rule within two weeks on a 400 billion baht emergency decree after opposition parties challenged it, with parliament set to vote once the court decision returns for approval.
At 9:15 a.m. on May 14, 2025, Pheu Thai party held a meeting at parliament led by Labor Minister Julapun Amorvivatpun as party chairman, with Manoporn Charoensri, an MP from Nakhon Phanom, as deputy chairman, and Prasert Chantruangtong, a party-list MP, as secretary-general. Julapun informed the meeting about the 400 billion baht emergency decree, noting that despite a constitutional court petition filed for interpretation, the decree's binding power has already taken effect. The House of Representatives understands that the parliamentary president has referred the matter to the constitutional court, making it the court's responsibility to rule on it. Whatever the court decides will return to parliament for approval by both chambers. This represents cooperation among coalition parties in addressing public concerns during the economic crisis, with voting requiring unity among members. Julapun stated that while the decree attempts to reallocate some budget portions, the amounts are limited, though there are mechanisms to review other budget sections. Given the current tight fiscal situation and urgent public hardship, immediate action is needed on cash handouts and welfare card top-ups. These matters must return to parliament for discussion, and he called for all members to participate in deliberations, raise questions, and offer constructive suggestions. If the government provides complete clarifications during the vote, coalition parties are ready to move forward with approving the decree. Julapun noted that the constitutional court is expected to take about two weeks to consider the matter before it returns to parliament. Manoporn stated that opposition parties filed a challenge to the 400 billion baht borrowing decree last week, now before the constitutional court for ruling. Historically, such rulings take about 20 days, after which the parliamentary president will place it on the agenda. Manoporn added that Pheu Thai has been allocated 40 minutes for debate, with six MPs registered to speak. The party will present arguments supporting the decree, emphasizing efficient budget use amid current economic conditions. The first 200 billion baht will provide relief to those affected by the economic downturn, while the remaining 200 billion baht will fund energy transition initiatives.
