The government is being urged to implement projects under the 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree with integrity, provided its legitimacy is endorsed by the Constitutional Court.
The call was made by Thammasak Sethaudom, president and chief executive of Siam Cement Group, after the executive decree issued by the cabinet was criticised for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, particularly Section 172, which allows emergency executive action only in cases of unavoidable urgency.
While Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has reiterated the need for the 400-billion-baht loan, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, warned that a 200-billion-baht allocation for energy restructuring is unrelated to economic security and does not constitute an urgent necessity.
Opposition lawmakers petitioned the Constitutional Court to review its legality.
"I understand and share the feelings of both supporters and opponents of the decree," Mr Thammasak said.
Personally, Mr Thammasak believes vulnerable groups, including households and businesses, need government support to cope with the impact of the energy crisis.
He also supports the state's efforts to press ahead with plans to adopt more clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are prone to price volatility and are not environmentally friendly.
"But authorities need to remain cautious about loan spending. They have to think about how to prevent funds from being siphoned off," said Mr Thammasak.
"The government may initiate a good policy direction, but that does not always mean the policy will be implemented properly."
The government has good intentions to help businesses and households, but the funds could end up being misused.
"If authorities help vulnerable groups, but the money is dishonestly taken, I would give the government a 'D' grade," said Mr Thammasak.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is concerned about dishonest practices within state agencies.
According to its recent survey of 401 business people carried out between March 26 and April 10, corruption remains a major problem affecting business activities.
Up to 89.1% of respondents said corruption is a main hindrance to business operations, while 51.2% said the problem appeared to have gotten worse over the past three years.
The JSCCIB found that 37.3% of respondents said their industries were required to pay "extra money" to secure contracts with state agencies.
The amount of the money ranged from 11-15% of a contract's value.
According to the findings, auctions for state projects were also problematic, with 27.3% reporting that they were approached by individuals claiming they could help them secure bids.
