The government will begin screening projects under its 400-billion-baht emergency loan programme after the Constitutional Court on Thursday ruled that the emergency borrowing decree is constitutional, clearing the way for the government's spending plans.
The court unanimously upheld provisions authorising borrowing to assist households, farmers and businesses affected by the energy crisis.
In a separate 7-2 ruling, it also endorsed borrowing for energy-efficiency initiatives, renewable and alternative energy projects, and related skills development and innovation programmes.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul said government agencies will now submit proposals for long-term energy transition projects that provide direct benefits to the public.
Examples include interest-rate subsidies or down-payment assistance for households purchasing electric vehicles or installing rooftop solar systems, he said. The proposals will be reviewed by a screening committee comprising the permanent secretary for finance and representatives from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Comptroller General's Department.
The committee will assess each proposal and determine whether it should proceed or be revised, while ensuring approved projects do not overlap with programmes already funded under the 2027 fiscal budget, Mr Paradorn said.
Mr Paradorn said the committee would convene after parliamentary approval to establish a framework for monitoring the use of the loan funds.
NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan said energy transition projects should focus primarily on improving energy efficiency as part of the country's transition strategy.
He said a proposal from the Ministry of Transport to promote the wider use of electric vehicles would require further discussion to clarify implementation details.
Mr Danucha added that if the planned 200 billion baht could be disbursed as scheduled, it would help strengthen confidence in the economy and improve private-sector sentiment.
Bhumjaithai list-MP Supachai Jaisamut said the measure is due to be debated by the House sometime later this month.
