Akkharadet supports the loan decree, emphasizing its urgent necessity to turn crisis into opportunity, stressing transparency and accountability, and affirming there is no issuance of a blank check. Tags: [loan decree, energy crisis, transparency, government finance]
On 26 August 2026, Akkharadet Wongphittakrot, MP for Ratchaburi from the Bhumjaithai Party, spoke in support of the Royal Decree granting the Ministry of Finance authority to borrow funds to address the impacts of the energy crisis and to facilitate the country's energy transition. He emphasized that the current situation is a global crisis stemming from Middle East conflicts affecting Thailand, requiring urgent measures to alleviate public hardship.Tags: [Akkharadet Wongphittakrot, energy crisis, Thailand economy, government measures]
Akkharadet noted that the government submitted the loan decree in May, but the review process was delayed due to a Constitutional Court examination of its legality—a check-and-balance mechanism exercised by the opposition. After the court ruled the decree constitutional under Article 172, citing the energy crisis, he urged respect for the ruling and continuation of the process. He called on the parliament to ensure transparent use of funds and to prevent corruption in the projects, warning against parliamentary debates causing public misunderstanding or setting misleading precedents.Tags: [constitutional court, legal review, parliamentary oversight, anti-corruption]
Regarding the initial 200 billion baht budget, Akkharadet viewed it as necessary relief for the public amid the energy crisis and a sluggish economy with high inflation. He pointed out that the funds would not only assist entitled citizens but also benefit producers, businesses, factories, shops, farmers, and workers, thereby supporting the overall economic system.Tags: [economic relief, inflation, energy crisis, economic support]
Akkharadet also discussed the energy transition projects, seeing the crisis as an opportunity to reduce reliance on imported gas and oil and to promote renewable energy. He cited examples such as household solar panel installations and support for electric vehicles and alternative fuels.Tags: [energy transition, renewable energy, solar panels, electric vehicles]
He added that if household solar panel installations meet targets, they could reduce household electricity costs and potentially generate income for citizens over the long term, aligning with goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions.Tags: [solar energy, household savings, environmental goals, greenhouse gas reduction]
Akkharadet acknowledged concerns about importing solar panels from abroad but suggested viewing them as capital goods that can generate economic productivity and value, rather than as luxury imports.Tags: [solar panel imports, economic productivity, capital goods]
Toward the end, Akkharadet addressed criticism that the loan decree represents a "blank check," insisting that the decree defines clear frameworks and project details, includes legally mandated screening and auditing processes, and has a special parliamentary committee with government and opposition members jointly overseeing the loan's use.Tags: [loan oversight, parliamentary committee, financial accountability]
"This loan should not be merely a short-term fix but an opportunity to transition the country toward an efficient energy system that lowers costs for the public and builds long-term economic stability," Akkharadet said.Tags: [energy efficiency, economic stability, long-term planning]