Natthapong opposes 200B loan decree over energy plan
Natthapong threatens to reject the 200-billion-baht emergency loan decree unless the Thai government clarifies its energy transition plan.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Natthapong threatens to vote against the 200-billion-baht energy transition loan decree
- Criticizes the government for using a special emergency decree citing Middle East crises
- Proposes a 12-year, 400-billion-baht energy plan funded by private and state sectors without loans
- Demands clear government disclosure on fund allocation before parliamentary voting
Natthapong has voiced strong opposition to the Thai government's plan to issue an emergency decree for a 200-billion-baht loan aimed at driving the country's energy transition. He stated that the opposition is fully prepared to rigorously check and balance the executive branch's use of special powers, noting that issuing emergency decrees while parliament is in session requires absolute urgency under the Thai constitution.
During his address, Natthapong analyzed the country's fiscal limitations, acknowledging that Thailand's ratio of state revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been declining. However, he argued that utilizing a special decree mechanism under the pretext of Middle East geopolitical conflicts and constrained annual fiscal budgets requires genuine justification and appropriateness that must satisfy parliamentary scrutiny
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
In public law, utilizing emergency loan decrees represents an executive power reserved for exceptional crises, bypassing standard legislative procedures. The opposition's insistence on transparency serves as a core parliamentary check to prevent potential overreach under the guise of urgent circumstances.
The opposition leader specifically targeted the latter 200 billion baht allocated for large-scale procurement, such as rooftop solar initiatives and electric vehicle (EV) public buses. He argued that structural energy transformation requires far more than simply replacing vehicle fleets, as it demands comprehensive investments in infrastructure, charging stations, domestic supply chain development, and systematic reduction of fossil fuel reliance.
Furthermore, Natthapong introduced an alternative approach previously proposed by the People's Party, structured into three four-year phases totaling 12 years with an investment of approximately 400 billion baht. He asserted that with proper planning and financial mobilization from private investors, state enterprises, the three state electricity authorities, and various funds, the government would not need to borrow a single baht for the investment.
“We do not want to see the government making excuses, using special powers to issue a 400-billion-baht loan decree where 200 billion baht is just a pretext to spend, stuffing it with relief funds, holding public relief hostage, and scrambling for projects afterward.”
Natthapong
Concluding his remarks, Natthapong reiterated that the government bears the responsibility to answer parliamentary questions regarding how the funds will fit into the country's broader 5-to-10-year energy matrix, how clean energy proportions will increase, and how domestic supply chains will be bolstered. Without satisfactory answers and clear plans, members of parliament will be unable to approve the emergency decree.
Source: Matichon Politics
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