Bangkok: The Pheu Thai party convened a meeting with its MPs, emphasizing the importance of their active participation in the debate concerning the 400 billion baht loan decree. The meeting was aimed at encouraging MPs to offer constructive criticism and solutions to address the current issues faced by the populace.
According to Thai News Agency, the weekly gathering of Pheu Thai MPs was led by key figures including Mr. Julaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour and party leader; Ms. Monporn Charoensri, MP for Nakhon Phanom and deputy party leader; and Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, list MP and party secretary-general. Mr. Chulaphan briefed the members on the draft emergency decree for borrowing 400 billion baht, noting that although the matter is pending interpretation by the Constitutional Court, the decree's enforcement is already active. He highlighted that the Speaker of Parliament has forwarded the issue to the Constitutional Court, and a decision from the court will eventually lead to its return to parliament for further consideration.
Mr. Chulapan addressed the attempts to reallocate parts of the budget, acknowledging that only a minimal amount has been managed so far. He stressed the urgency of addressing public suffering, particularly through schemes like co-payment and welfare card top-ups, and urged MPs to engage in debates and propose constructive suggestions. He assured that if the government provides comprehensive explanations, the party is ready to collaborate in approving the Emergency Decree. He estimated that the Constitutional Court's review would take about two weeks before the draft returns to Parliament.
Ms. Monporn Charoensri highlighted that the opposition party had objected to the decree, and the Speaker of the House, Mr. Sophon Saram, is currently reviewing its merits. The matter will be sent to the Constitutional Court for a decision, which historically takes around 20 days. She noted that the Pheu Thai Party has been allocated 40 minutes for debate, with six MPs scheduled to speak. The debate will focus on the effective utilization of the budget amid current economic conditions, with the first 200 billion baht earmarked for economic relief and the remaining 200 billion baht to be discussed by participating MPs.