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Opposition leader describes three loan decrees as a blank cheque

21 Sept 05:34 Key points summarised by AI

Opposition leader Sompong Amornvivat condemned the government's three public borrowing decrees as a "blank cheque," alleging a critical lack of proper screening and oversight for the proposed 1 trillion baht expenditure.
Sompong specifically targeted the 400 billion baht allocated for economic rehabilitation, revealing its pre-parliamentary distribution to ministries, raising transparency concerns.
Further criticisms included the anticipated bias in SME soft loans towards trusted businesses, and warnings from Pheu Thai's secretary-general about Thailand's escalating public debt, potentially requiring 90 years to repay.

Today 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.