The "Finance Minister" confirms borrowing 400 billion baht is necessary for economic stability, likening it to "medicine" that must be taken immediately to fight the toxic impact of living costs.
On 14 May 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, explained the Constitutional Court’s acceptance of a petition to interpret the 400 billion baht loan decree. He said it is urgently necessary for economic stability because the world currently faces an energy crisis that has expanded into issues of livelihood and inflation, unlike past crises that centered on finance or exports. This time, it directly affects the cost of living for citizens, so legislation must be enacted quickly to prevent small businesses from going bankrupt.
Mr. Aekniti also addressed the 200 billion baht budget for clean energy transition, describing it as a long-term measure to help reduce people’s expenses. He compared the crisis to an illness and the decree to medicine, warning that waiting to use funds from the 2027 budget—five months away—may be too late. Helping citizens install solar panels or use clean energy now will sustainably reduce electricity and fuel costs, even though the war crisis remains unresolved.
Regarding opposition claims that the loan benefits big business or is merely a blank check, the Minister of Finance affirmed that a screening committee and strict oversight mechanisms are in place. These focus on five principles: targeted relief, facilitating transition, labor skill reform (Thai Help Thai Plus project), transparency, and involving the private sector in proposing ideas.
Mr. Aekniti concluded that the decree has been effective since 10 May 2026 GMT+7. The government will proceed with normal procedures to expedite assistance to the public, confident that its long-term strengthening objectives will help the country overcome this crisis.