Bangkok: Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, MP and leader of the People's Party, expressed disappointment following the Constitutional Court's unanimous decision that the emergency decree allowing the borrowing of 400 billion baht does not violate the Constitution. He criticized the decree as unnecessary, labeling it a hasty insertion of projects rather than an urgent need. Nattapong anticipates the Cabinet's extraordinary session for parliamentary approval and responded sharply to Anutin Charnvirakul's claim of not knowing him, suggesting that more frequent parliamentary attendance would improve recognition among MPs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong and Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the People's Party, addressed the media after the court's ruling. The 400 billion baht loan is divided equally, with the first half aimed at mitigating the Middle East crisis and the latter half for an energy transition set for 2026. Despite the 9-0 and 7-2 rulings affirming the decree's constitutionality, the People's Party maintains that the government could have incorporated these projects into the annual budget bill, thus avoiding the need for an emergency decree.
Mr. Nattapong highlighted that the ad hoc committee is currently evaluating these projects as part of the 2027 fiscal year budget bill. Recent proposals presented to the committee include solar-powered sports fields and electric waste collection vehicles, which he argues could be funded through the regular budget process.
The People's Party insists that the projects pushed through by the government do not satisfy the conditions for utilizing an emergency decree. Article 172 of the Constitution demands that the Cabinet must convene an urgent extraordinary parliamentary session if a delay would occur outside of regular sessions. The party is waiting for the government's clarification on its next steps.
In response to inquiries about collaboration with the Democrat Party, Mr. Nattapong emphasized adherence to constitutional processes. The People's Party continues to disagree with the court's ruling, anticipating further developments as the situation unfolds.
Ms. Sirikanya noted that the government's signals suggested a predetermined ruling outcome, with several ministers recently releasing project details eligible for the loan. The People's Party obtained documents indicating that proposed projects, such as electric garbage trucks and solar-powered sports fields, do not genuinely facilitate a transition to clean energy.
Concerns were raised regarding potential pre-selection of contractors or suppliers, with the party suspecting that the allocated funds may serve personal interests rather than genuine energy transition investments. Ms. Sirikanya suggested that unproductive projects could be cut during the ad hoc committee's review of the emergency decree and the 2027 budget.
Questions about the necessity of the 200 billion baht allocation were raised, particularly in light of overlapping projects in the 2027 budget dedicated to economic recovery and energy price volatility. If overlapping funds are identified, the entire project may be subject to cuts.
Mr. Nattapong also addressed the Prime Minister's unfamiliarity with him, attributing it to the Prime Minister's infrequent parliamentary attendance. He emphasized the importance of government presence in parliament for accountability and recognition.
Regarding the Prime Minister's stance on the Internal Security Operations Command, Mr. Nattapong advocated for a review of government agencies to eliminate overlaps and enhance public benefit, drawing parallels with Vietnam's governmental restructuring efforts.