Watch as the Cabinet discusses the 400 billion baht loan decree. Ratchada affirms the government’s focus on livelihood relief through “Thai Help Thai” and “Half-Half Plus,” stressing transparency and guaranteed direct delivery of funds to citizens without losses along the way.
At 09:00 on 5 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed ahead of the Cabinet meeting at the Government House that today’s agenda includes consideration of important legislation such as the royal decree (loan decree) to borrow 400 billion baht. Regarding the loan decree, the funds will be allocated in two parts: to alleviate public hardship and to support the energy transition from dependence on foreign imports toward clean energy or solar power. The government aims to use the current energy crisis as a catalyst for Thailand to adopt rooftop solar power generation. Both parts work in tandem to ease the public’s difficulties, including the agricultural sector, building an energy development foundation for the medium and long term. After the meeting, the Prime Minister will provide a personal briefing.
Ms. Ratchada further stated, the government confirms that the issuance of this royal decree is carried out with due caution. She emphasized the necessity of this decree and said the government has explained its importance to the public. Citizens need not worry about the funds being lost, because programs intended to support the people, such as “Thai Help Thai”, and “Half-Half Plus”, involve direct transfers from the government to citizens’ pockets. Additionally, for welfare cardholders, funds are similarly transferred from the state directly to individuals. Therefore, the money will not be lost or diverted along the way.
She also thanked the opposition for raising points beneficial to the public. The government reiterates its transparency and asks citizens to trust that it is fully committed to public welfare, with clear short-, medium-, and long-term national management plans. The loan decree budget will cover emergency needs, while the annual budget bill for fiscal year 2027 is aligned with medium- and long-term national development plans.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet will also consider other key legislation such as the repeal of the 2001 MOU, confirmation of bills passed by the previous House of Representatives to continue positive legislative initiatives supported by the Cabinet, as well as review agreements to be signed at the ASEAN meeting and the Personal Data Protection Act. The government spokesperson team will provide further details.