The Democrat Party's deputy spokesperson expressed surprise that Ekniti Nitithanprapas dared to compare the 400-billion-baht loan decree with past economic crises, warning that it could lead the country to disaster. Although it does not exceed the public debt ceiling, it increases the long-term debt burden.
7 May 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Siripha Intawichian, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party posted a message regarding Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas's response to the Democrat Party's role in scrutinizing the government's issuance of the 400-billion-baht loan Royal Decree. She acknowledged that Ekniti has an outstanding track record in raising funds for the government, having served as Director-General of the Revenue Department and former Director-General of the Excise Department, advancing rapidly in his career.
However, as Finance Minister, he must consider the impact on fiscal stability from issuing the 400-billion-baht loan decree, which could lead the country to disaster, rather than merely raising funds for government projects lacking clarity. Addressing the energy crisis can also be done through various means, such as reducing excise taxes.
Ms. Siripha further noted it is surprising that Ekniti is so intent on raising funds for the government that he compares this loan decree to previous ones, despite knowing the situations are completely different. Past loan decrees were issued when GDP was negative to resolve economic crises like the Tom Yum Kung crisis and the Hamburger crisis. Although the 400-billion-baht loan decree does not exceed the public debt ceiling set by the State Fiscal Discipline Act, it increases the long-term debt burden, which ultimately falls on the shoulders of the people.
“I hope that when that day comes, you will find a better solution than squeezing taxes from the people to repay the debt, according to your expertise.”