BANGKOK, March 27 – Thailand’s opposition bloc has announced its plan for a parliamentary showdown, with 60 MPs lining up to debate against the government-sponsored bill seeking Bt2 trillion loans for Thailand’s infrastructure investment.
Jurin Laksanawisit, chief opposition whip, said non-government MPs will be given 12 hours and 30 minutes, with an addition of four hours, to debate the controversial legislation which will leave Thailand indebted by a total of Bt5 trillion including principal and interest.
The debt will become obligations for at least 12 governments in the future, he said, pointing out that the government can resort to other means such as joint investment with the private sector.
The bill on the Bt2 trillion in loans is slated for debate in the House of Representatives tomorrow and Friday.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the government is ready to explain the necessity of the bill in the House and said she believes legislators will support the government’s attempt to develop the country.
