Bangkok: "Natthapong" leads opposition parties in submitting a petition to the Constitutional Court to push for the establishment of a special committee to investigate the government's alleged insertion of clauses into the 400 billion baht loan emergency decree. Today, at the Parliament building, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, along with leaders of the opposition parties, submitted a petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. They requested that the petition be forwarded to the Constitutional Court to determine whether the issuance of the Emergency Decree, authorizing the Ministry of Finance to borrow 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and facilitate the country's energy transition, complies with constitutional provisions.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong expressed concerns about the government's actions, specifically regarding the alleged secret inclusion of funds from the 200 billion baht loan related to the energy structure transition plan. These funds, he argues, are unrelated to economic security and not urgently needed, yet they have been included in the emergency decree using public relief funds as leverage.

The petition presented to the Constitutional Court included supporting information, such as the energy structure transition plan, which should be implemented within the annual budget system and requires years of continuous implementation. The opposition argues that it is unnecessary and inappropriate to issue an emergency decree for borrowing in this manner.

Mr. Nattapong also highlighted that the Emergency Decree on Borrowing has already been published in the Royal Gazette and is in effect. The petition requests the Constitutional Court to issue an initial ruling or order to suspend disbursements, particularly for non-urgent energy infrastructure transition projects. Concerns were raised about potential consequences if the government borrows and spends the money before a ruling, especially if the decree is later deemed ineffective.

The opposition coalition is cautiously drafting the petition, mindful of public scrutiny over past Constitutional Court rulings perceived as encroaching on executive authority, such as the suspension of the high-speed rail project.

Additionally, Mr. Nattapong mentioned that opposition parties are preparing to propose a motion in parliament to establish a special committee to monitor the spending of the 400 billion baht loan under the Emergency Decree. He hopes the government will not oppose this committee's establishment, asserting that the spending involves limited scrutiny compared to the normal budget process. If the government has no intention of concealing or manipulating funds, he argues, there should be no reason to oppose the motion.