"Ekniti" revealed the Finance Ministry is fully ready to push ahead with the energy transition after the 400 billion baht loan decree is converted into law.
On 25 August 2026, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated that tomorrow (26 August 2026), the House of Representatives will debate the issuance of a royal decree authorizing the Ministry of Finance to borrow 400 billion baht to address the impact of the energy crisis and advance the country's energy transition in 2026. This loan decree will be converted into a law following legal procedures. After that, the Finance Ministry will proceed fully with the energy transition while accelerating investment and reforming Thailand's economic structure for sustainable growth.
It must be acknowledged that Thailand's economy is still affected by conflicts from the Middle East crisis, leading to high oil prices, a cost of living crisis, and livelihood challenges, causing consumers to reduce spending. Previously, the government prioritized issuing the loan decree to support purchasing power and stabilize the economy, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate the energy transition. It also aims to speed up investment, economic restructuring, reforms, skill development, and learning to increase income, which is an urgent transition process.
"Today's economy has unemployment as expected because of high oil prices and living costs, causing people to delay spending. Thailand runs an oil import deficit of 500-600 billion baht and unemployment. This crisis differs from the past, which is why the 400 billion baht loan decree was issued and the energy transition must proceed immediately to reduce the deficit. The government has already taken many actions; if these were not done then, the situation today could be worse."
Mr. Ekniti added that Thailand's economy is K-shaped, meaning growth is uneven. Those on the lower end who cannot adapt to new business models will decline. Therefore, the government's role is to help those declining to catch up with the upper segment because if both decline, the economy will worsen. Hence, urgent restoration through the energy transition is essential and must proceed swiftly.