Govt ready to defend borrowing bill
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The government is putting all efforts to defend the Bt2 trillion bill, with the abrupt decision to postpone the mobile Cabinet meeting.
The government has decided to postpone the mobile Cabinet meeting in Lop Buri during September 19-20, said spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi.
He said that many agencies - the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Budget Bureau and the Finance Ministry - are scheduled to present more information at the second-round debate on the Bt2 trillion borrowing bill during the same period.
PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn also informed the Cabinet today that the debate should be concluded in two days.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was quoted as saying that the borrowing bill is crucial for the country's infrastructure development. As such, all agencies should be ready to answer all questions.
Yesterday, the government resolved to maintain the trip to Lop Buri. Varathep, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong and Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt were assigned to defend the bill.
Democrat spokesman Chavanon Intharakomalsut said on Tuesday that two days would not be enough for the deliberation of the bill, given the large sum of money involved.
He said over 100 Democrat MPs have planned to present their arguments why the bill should not be passed into law.
"It's a major issue as in Thailand's history, there has been no such huge borrowing. The government is yet to answer why it has to seek off-budget borrowing," he said.
