Bangkok: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is gearing up to file a petition with the Constitutional Court, seeking an interpretation of the emergency decree that permits a 400 billion baht loan. The alliance argues that the package aimed at transitioning the energy structure does not warrant urgent status.
According to Thai News Agency, the People's Party, represented by Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, party leader, and Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader, voiced concerns at the Parliament building regarding the government's issuance of the emergency decree. The decree empowers the Ministry of Finance to borrow substantial funds to counter the energy crisis and assist in the country's energy transition. Mr. Nattapong highlighted suspicions that the government is covertly issuing a blank check for a 200 billion baht loan for energy infrastructure, leveraging public relief funds. The emergency decree merges two plans, raising questions about whether the loan fulfills the constitutional requirement concerning economic security.
The People's Party plans to utilize its legislative power to submit a petition to the Constitutional Court and invites other opposition parties to support it. While discussions with other parties have taken place, the People's Party intends to draft the petition independently to prevent the Constitutional Court from potentially expanding its authority through this channel.
Mr. Nattapong also pointed out issues with the allocation for public relief, describing it as random and not targeted, contradicting government claims. Although the constitution allows the executive branch to enact emergency decrees in economic instability cases, the concern lies in potential abuse of power, particularly regarding the 200 billion baht loan for the energy structure transition, which allegedly contravenes constitutional provisions.
Ms. Sirikanya reported that Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, justified the payment as necessary for the 30 million affected individuals. However, she argued that if widespread hardship truly exists, relief should be universal rather than targeted, as Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapha suggested. The current relief plan, encompassing a co-payment scheme and state welfare card top-ups, benefits approximately 44 million people, potentially excluding those most in need.
Furthermore, Ms. Sirikanya noted that the energy structure transition lacks urgency, as confirmed by the Minister's admission of awaiting project proposals from government agencies. The financing for compensation is set for this year, while energy transition funding is slated for the next, underscoring the project's lack of immediacy.
The People's Party intends to request the Constitutional Court to determine if the emergency decree aligns with Article 172, paragraph one, of the Constitution concerning economic security. Ms. Sirikanya reiterated that fiscal discipline involves efficient and purposeful spending, not just adherence to a debt ceiling. She criticized the minister's scripted response regarding fiscal discipline, emphasizing that any sensible observer would recognize its deterioration.