Bangkok: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has voiced criticism against the government's decision to issue an emergency decree allowing for the borrowing of 400 billion baht, labeling it as a "blank check." The PAD has resolved to petition the Constitutional Court in an effort to halt the decree, arguing that the proposed restructuring of the energy sector does not constitute an urgent matter. Government ministers themselves have admitted that there are no clear projects yet, with proposals still awaited from various government agencies. Furthermore, conflicting statements from ministers regarding the relief budget have raised concerns about its lack of targeted and comprehensive coverage.
According to Thai News Agency, the People's Party, under the leadership of Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, alongside Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul and Mr. Thira Suthiwarangkoon, has issued a statement presenting the party's position on the controversial loan decree. Mr. Nattapong emphasized that the party's discussions revealed that the government is attempting to include a blank check within the emergency decree to secure 200 billion baht for the energy structure transition. Merging this plan with the public relief initiative is seen as leveraging relief funds since the energy transition will span several years, and detailed project plans are yet to be unveiled. The party questions whether this borrowing aligns with constitutional requirements for economic stability.
Mr. Nattapong disclosed that following a meeting of the People's Party's MPs, a resolution was passed to utilize legislative powers to submit a petition to the Constitutional Court. The party is open to inviting other opposition parties to join in signing the petition, although careful consideration is needed to prevent expanding the court's authority. The People's Party intends to take the lead in drafting the petition.
When questioned about the emphasis on Part 2, which involves the energy transition, Mr. Nattapong clarified that concerns extend to the first part as well. Ms. Sirikanya had previously questioned the random nature of the compensation, contrary to the government's portrayal of targeted relief. The party is concerned that the executive's exercise of emergency decree power may constitute an abuse of power, inconsistent with constitutional provisions, particularly regarding the 200 billion baht loan for the energy transition. Efforts have been made in parliament to seek government clarification, with hopes that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, would address these queries. However, it was Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, who responded.
Ms. Sirikanya criticized Mr. Paradorn's response, which stated the necessity of payments to 30 million people due to universal suffering, arguing that such relief should be distributed universally. Mr. Ekniti had called for targeted relief for vulnerable groups, yet the relief plan resembles universal assistance. The mix of the "Half-Price" project and welfare card top-ups is estimated to cover 44 million people, leaving others, possibly the most in need, without assistance. The party advocates for more appropriate relief methods, emphasizing that if universal suffering is claimed, then relief should be universally distributed.
Ms. Sirikanya further pointed out that Mr. Paradorn admitted the 200 billion baht project details are pending and that relief funds will be borrowed this year, with energy transition funds borrowed next year. This underscores the project's lack of urgency. The party plans to submit the case to the Constitutional Court to determine if it pertains to economic security and whether the situation is urgent or can be avoided, allowing Parliament to exercise its authority.
The issue of fiscal discipline extends beyond the debt ceiling to encompass efficient and effective spending for intended purposes. However, ministerial responses have merely reiterated that fiscal discipline remains intact due to the public debt ceiling not being breached, which fails to address the party's concerns. Coordination with other opposition parties is ongoing, with plans to submit the petition to the Constitutional Court by May 11-12 to comply with the constitutional requirement of submission before parliamentary approval on May 14.