Bangkok: Pakorn Nilapraphan, Deputy Prime Minister, has disclosed that he has submitted the clarification regarding the emergency decree for borrowing 400 billion baht to the Constitutional Court, and it is now up to the court's discretion.
According to Thai News Agency, Pakorn revealed that the explanation regarding the 400 billion baht loan decree has been submitted to the Constitutional Court. The next step depends on the court's discretion. He also disclosed a new law facilitating government services, making it easier for citizens to interact with the government, enabling businesses to start faster, reducing redundant licenses, using digital technology to close loopholes for corruption, and enhancing the country's competitiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan revealed the progress regarding the Constitutional Court's order to submit clarification on the 400 billion baht loan decree. He stated that the government has compiled the details and submitted the clarification to the Constitutional Court on May 26th. This clarification is a revised version of the explanations previously provided to the Cabinet, addressing the court's questions. The content is factually accurate and contains no amendments.
Regarding the legal steps and processes going forward, Mr. Pakorn explained that currently, the matter is proceeding according to legal procedures and depends on the discretion of the Constitutional Court, as the court has not issued an order to suspend duties or halt enforcement. The next steps could take several approaches. Thus, if the court finds the information sufficient-because this case involves a "legal" issue, not a "factual" one-and if the Constitutional Court deems the submitted explanation adequate, it may consider reading the verdict within the 60-day timeframe. If the court finds the information insufficient, it has the power to order further clarification. All of this falls within the court's authority to consider.
Mr. Pakorn Yang revealed the progress of the new Act on Facilitating Government Permit Issuance, stating that it is currently in the process of being submitted to His Majesty the King for royal assent. Following its publication in the Royal Gazette, it will come into effect. He emphasized that this law will not only reform bureaucratic procedures but also shift the mindset of the bureaucracy from a controlling and restrictive state to one that facilitates, supports citizens, and helps businesses operate more quickly. This law will benefit the country in several ways, including reducing the burden on citizens, increasing business flexibility, and reducing loopholes for corruption in the government licensing system. With fewer procedures, more interconnected data, and digital verification, unnecessary discretionary power will be reduced.
Mr. Pakorn stated that one of the key aspects of this law is the Super License system, or a comprehensive license system, which will allow the main license application to cover all related sub-licenses, eliminating the need for individuals or businesses to apply to multiple agencies as before. For example, hotels often have numerous sub-licenses, or coffee shops and bakeries require many licenses. The new system will help businesses start faster and reduce hidden costs.
Furthermore, a key benefit for the public is the reduction of duplicate document requests from government agencies. The government is moving forward with legislation to link data between agencies, requiring data-owning agencies to share and utilize their information. Therefore, citizens should not be repeatedly asked for the same documents when the information is already available in the government system. After the law comes into effect, government data systems will be transformed from traditional document formats to machine-readable (MWR) formats, enabling faster service, easier verification, and the use of technology to analyze anomalies such as nominee fraud, identity theft, or high-risk transactions.
"This law will make the government work faster, more transparent, and more citizen-friendly. The goal is to make it easier for people to interact with government agencies, for businesses to move forward faster, and for the country to have a more competitive environment," Mr. Pakorn said.