Woraphop Criticizes PDP2026 Power Plan Over Potential Cost Increases

Thairath•Politics•26m ago

Reader Briefing

Former MP Woraphop Wiriyarote of the People's Party criticized the PDP2026 power plan for overestimating electricity demand and lacking cost transparency.

•Woraphop Wiriyarote presented the People's Party's views on the PDP2026 draft at the Parliament building on September 16, 2026.
•The People's Party claims the PDP2026 process excludes public participation and uses unrealistic electricity demand forecasts.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote warned that adding 9,100 MW of natural gas power plants could increase electricity costs by approximately 50 satang per unit.

Overview

•On September 16, 2026, the People's Party announced the results of the 12th Shadow Cabinet meeting at the Parliament building.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote stated that the PDP2026 process is an attempt to repeat energy planning mistakes to benefit existing energy capital groups.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote noted that during public hearings from September 8-15, representatives of the public were not allowed to attend the event on September 8.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote pointed out that electricity demand forecasts increased by approximately 2,300 MW compared to data from early in the year.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote warned that the plan to add 9,100 MW of natural gas power plants relies on expensive imported LNG, costing around 6 baht per unit.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote stated that over-constructing natural gas plants could hurt Thailand's production costs, foreign investment attraction, and clean energy readiness.
•Woraphop Wiriyarote called on the government and the Ministry of Energy to disclose key data and cost assumptions used in PDP2026.

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Key Quotes

Woraphop Wiriyarote

"Increasing natural gas power plants beyond necessity, besides expensive electricity bills, will affect Thailand's long-term competitiveness and the attractiveness of investment regarding the existence of clean energy in Thailand."

การเพิ่มโรงไฟฟ้าก๊าซธรรมชาติเกินความจำเป็น นอกจากค่าไฟที่แพงจะกระทบความสามารถในการแข่งขันของประเทศไทยในระยะยาวแล้ว ยังจะกระทบความน่าสนใจในการลงทุนจากเรื่องการมีอยู่ของพลังงานสะอาดในประเทศไทยด้วย

Key Entities

Person

Woraphop Wiriyarote(วรภพ วิริยะโรจน์)

A former list MP of the People's Party who analyzed the PDP2026 power plan.

Organization

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

A political party that held the 12th Shadow Cabinet meeting to discuss the PDP2026 plan.

Ministry of Energy(กระทรวงพลังงาน)ℹ️

The government body requested by Woraphop Wiriyarote to disclose PDP2026 data.

Place

Parliament(รัฐสภา)ℹ️

The location where the People's Party announced the results of the Shadow Cabinet meeting.

Policy

Power Development Plan 2026 (PDP2026)(แผนพัฒนากำลังผลิตไฟฟ้าของประเทศไทยฉบับใหม่ (PDP2026))

The new draft plan for Thailand's electricity production capacity.