Khaosod
Thai lawmakers delays debate on 400 billion baht emergency loan
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BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s House of Representatives has delayed consideration of a 400 billion baht ($11 billion) emergency borrowing decree pending a Constitutional Court ruling on a challenge filed by opposition lawmakers.
Key facts
- During a parliamentary session on 14 May 2026, Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Pattanachaiyakul informed lawmakers that the Cabinet had approved a royal decree authorising the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address the impact of
- Local media reported that Sophon submitted the petition to the Constitutional Court on 12 May 2026, and the court’s office has formally acknowledged receipt of the case.
- Before House Speaker Sophon Saram could place the decree on the parliamentary agenda, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, submitted a petition signed by 135 lawmakers seeking a Constitutional Court review.
- The petition argues that the emergency decree may violate Section 172 of Thailand’s constitution, which governs the issuance of emergency royal decrees.
Summary
During a parliamentary session on 14 May 2026, Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Pattanachaiyakul informed lawmakers that the Cabinet had approved a royal decree authorising the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address the impact of the energy crisis and support the country’s energy transition.
Before House Speaker Sophon Saram could place the decree on the parliamentary agenda, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, submitted a petition signed by 135 lawmakers seeking a Constitutional Court review.