"Government Spokesperson” reveals cabinet to discuss 400 billion baht loan decree and several important laws

Today (5 May 2026), 8:58 AM at Government House, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, gave an interview regarding today's Cabinet meeting, stating that the public should wait for the results of the meeting as several important laws will be considered. In particular, the public should closely follow the draft emergency decree on the 400 billion baht loan, which is being prepared by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul.

Ms. Rachada stated that the meeting also considered the cancellation of the MOU 2544, the review of laws pending from the previous House of Representatives session, and which laws will be submitted for further consideration. This included draft agreements to be signed at the ASEAN meeting and the personal data privacy law. The government spokesperson team will inform the public accordingly.

When asked how the emergency decree for borrowing would be used, Ms. Rachada explained that it would be used in two ways: to alleviate public hardship and to support the energy transition from reliance on imports to cleaner energy sources like solar power. The goal is to use the energy crisis as a catalyst to promote rooftop solar power installations in Thailand, with measures to mitigate hardship for the public and the agricultural sector, while simultaneously building a medium- and long-term energy base. This is to utilize this opportunity to the greatest benefit of the country.

When asked if this emergency decree could not be passed as a regular law due to opposition concerns about prudence, Ms. Rachada stated that it is impossible for it to lack prudence. "It was necessary to issue an emergency decree, but I believe we can ensure the public understands the situation and that it will benefit them and they don't need to worry about the money disappearing. Projects aimed at caring for the people, such as 'Thai Helps Thai' and 'Half-Price Plus,' involve transferring funds directly from the government to the people's pockets."

Ms. Rachada reiterated that another portion of the funds for those holding state welfare cards is also a transfer of government budget directly into the people's pockets. Therefore, the money will not be lost along the way. However, she thanked the opposition for raising the issue of transparency, which she believes is beneficial. She affirmed that transparency is the government's intention to ensure the public understands and is confident that this government is fully caring for the people. We have set directions for national administration in the short, medium, and long term. The budget from the emergency decree will be used to address this emergency, but we will also consider the 2027 Budget Act concurrently, which is part of the medium and long-term national development plans.