Deputy PM Defends 400 Billion Baht Emergency Decree
Thailand's Deputy PM defended a 400 billion baht emergency decree funding relief programs and clean energy transition as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on the measure July 9.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas stated at the Royal River Hotel in Bangkok on July 4, 2569 that the 400 billion baht emergency decree is essential as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on the measure July 9. The decree already has legal force following its Royal Gazette publication. He explained that regular budget allocations are insufficient to address Thailand's current crises, particularly the cost of living crisis that stemmed from energy and input cost pressures. Without intervention, small businesses face collapse and deeper hardship. The decree funds critical relief programs like Thailand Helps Thailand Plus, which assists small merchants and incorporates AI training to improve their business skills. Ekniti emphasized that energy transition is equally vital, noting Thailand's heavy dependence on oil and natural gas—representing roughly 10 percent of GDP and the highest in Southeast Asia. Transitioning to clean energy like solar power will reduce electricity costs and enable households and businesses to sell power back to the grid. The decree allocates 200 billion baht for sustainable energy transition projects. He stressed that all funded projects must directly address one of three objectives: clean energy transition, transportation vehicle conversion, or human development—with no wasteful or arbitrary spending.
