Thailand Defies Court Challenge to Push Through Crisis Borrowing

Thailand’s government is pushing ahead with a controversial 400 billion baht ($12 billion) emergency borrowing plan despite a court challenge that threatens to complicate its response to surging energy costs and slowing economic growth.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration, which has been in office for less than two months after winning February’s election on promises to lower living costs, plans to use the funds for cash handouts, fuel relief and subsidies, while also accelerating Thailand’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.