Abhisit Mocks Ekkanat's Inaction on Fuel and Electricity Reforms

Matichon•Politics•2d ago

Reader Briefing

Abhisit Criticizes Energy Minister Ekkanat for Failing to Deliver on Fuel and Electricity Price Reforms, Accusing Him of Retreating from Promises.

•Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva criticized Energy Minister Ekkanat Prompan for failing to implement promised reforms on fuel and electricity prices.
•Abhisit alleged that while Ekkanat presented a strong stance in parliament, actual progress on lowering oil prices and adjusting electricity tariffs has been minimal.
•The Democrat Party leader suggested that the government is shifting the financial burden of energy cost management onto the public, particularly through increased reliance on the Oil Fund and a flawed electricity pricing formula.

Overview

•On May 28, at 3:30 PM, Abhisit Vejjajiva, list-MP and Democrat Party leader, held a press conference.
•Abhisit stated that the government's energy burden reduction efforts have not met previous announcements to parliament.
•Abhisit questioned why the Minister of Energy retreated from stated plans, suggesting external pressures or influences at the 'end of the alley'.
•The criticism focuses on two main issues: oil pricing and electricity tariffs.
•Abhisit mentioned the government is borrowing an additional 400,000 million baht, contributing to the nation's debt crisis.
•Abhisit expressed concern that consumers, especially households using over 400 units of electricity, will bear increased costs due to the current pricing formula.
•Apsorn Leowpairoj, list-MP and Deputy Democrat Party leader, noted the increased use of the Oil Fund, which is already in deficit.
•Apsorn warned that the silent restructuring of energy prices could negatively impact long-term production costs and competitiveness, even after the war ends.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

นายอภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ

"We must question why the Minister of Energy did not proceed as stated to the assembly. Why retreat? We see we haven't reached mid-alley. I don't know what was seen at the end of the alley, thugs or what, that caused the retreat."

จึงต้องมีการตั้งคำถามว่า เหตุใดรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพลังงาน จึงไม่ดำเนินการตามที่มาบอกกับสภา ถอยเพราะอะไร เรามองว่าไปยังไม่ถึงกลางซอย ตนไม่ทราบว่าไปเห็นอะไรอยู่ท้ายซอย นักเลงหรืออะไรจึงถอยกลับมา

นายอภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ

"We believe the refinery profits in the first quarter already proved these matters are real."

เราก็คิดว่ากำไรของโรงกลั่นในไตรมาสแรกมันเป็นบทพิสูจน์ไปแล้วว่าเรื่องเหล่านี้มีจริง

นางการดี เลียวไพโรจน์

"In alleviating the burden of this crisis, between the people and large companies, the Minister of Energy has chosen for the people to bear almost all the debt."

การแบ่งเบาภาระจากวิกฤตครั้งนี้ กับประชาชนและบริษัทขนาดใหญ่ รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพลังงานได้เลือกแล้วว่า ให้ประชาชนแบกรับภาระหนี้แทนแทบทั้งหมด

Key Entities

Person

Abhisit Vejjajiva(นายอภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ)ℹ️

List-MP and Leader of the Democrat Party, who criticized the government's energy policies.

Ekkanat Prompan(นายเอกนัฏ พร้อมพันธุ์)

Minister of Energy, criticized by Abhisit for alleged inaction on energy reforms.

Apsorn Leowpairoj(นางการดี เลียวไพโรจน์)

List-MP and Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, who commented on the government's energy policies and debt burden.

Organization

Democrat Party(พรรคประชาธิปัตย์)ℹ️

Political party whose leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, voiced criticism regarding the government's energy policies.

Place

Parliament(รัฐสภา)ℹ️

The legislative body where Minister Ekkanat Prompan previously addressed issues of energy reform.