Trillion baht loan not needed had there not been a COVID-19 pandemic – PM

13 Sept 10:18 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha defended his government's decision to borrow 1 trillion baht, attributing the necessity directly to the COVID-19 pandemic rather than economic mismanagement.
He clarified that only 1 trillion baht constituted new borrowing, with the remaining 900 billion baht originating from Bank of Thailand reserves, and noted prior economic impacts from the US-China trade war.
Opposition MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan countered, accusing the government of gross economic mismanagement and ineffective COVID-19 response, demanding a special House panel to ensure transparent and effective spending of the borrowed funds.

Public expects most Kla Tham MPs to back Cabinet in censure vote, NIDA Poll finds

18 Oct 12:30 Key points summarised by AI

A recent NIDA poll indicates that a plurality of the public (30.38%) anticipates Kla Tham Party MPs will vote to support all 18 cabinet ministers targeted in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
Respondents believe the Ministry of Interior (38.78%) and the Prime Minister’s Office (21.37%) will face the toughest questioning during the censure debate.
Economic issues, particularly alleged incompetence in addressing problems (34.27%) and the rising cost of living (25.88%), are cited as the primary concerns for the government during the censure.
The public holds high expectations for the Opposition's case, with 45.65% believing clear, concrete evidence will be presented against all 18 ministers, and 41.22% expecting substantial evidence against specific ministers.