Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organization plans to pilot a suspension of the fuel pump tax at 317 gas stations throughout Pathum Thani for three months, converting the usual 4 million baht monthly revenue into fuel discounts to reduce the burden on residents.
On 1 April 2026, at the third-floor meeting room of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Office, Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit Thupkrajang, President of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organization, chaired a meeting with Thepsuriya Sa-at, Pathum Thani Provincial Local Government Officer, executives, council members, and representatives from TPL Oil Company Limited. The meeting was held to discuss urgent measures to assist the public with rising fuel prices.
At the meeting, Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit proposed a concrete plan where the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organization would suspend collecting the fuel tax from all 317 gas stations across the province. Normally, the organization collects a tax of 4.45 satang per liter, amounting to over 4 million baht in monthly revenue. The tax collection would be suspended for three months, and the funds would be used to provide direct fuel discounts at the pumps to help reduce living and occupational costs for residents.
Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit said, “People, especially farmers, are currently facing severe hardship. I sought ways to reduce fuel prices and noticed that the organization receives 4.45 satang per liter from the fuel tax. I consulted with the finance and legal departments to see if delaying tax collection would impact operations; they assured me it would not. So, I decided that we will suspend collecting the 4.45 satang fuel tax and instead return it immediately as a discount at the pump for three months.”
Although the 4 million baht tax revenue is a significant amount for development budgets, under the current economic conditions, sacrificing this income to help Pathum Thani residents breathe easier and lower their transportation and occupational costs is considered most worthwhile. Tax money must return to the people in a tangible way. While the discount amount may not be large, for farmers refueling about 200 liters at a time, it helps ease their burden somewhat. If this approach is successful, as vice president of the Association of Provincial Administrative Organizations of Thailand, I will propose this model to other provincial leaders nationwide to help their communities as well.”
The President of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organization added that to ensure these benefits reach “Pathum Thani people,” he has instructed the working team to implement strict regulations to prevent hoarding. Initial discussions have been held with representatives of fuel stations, and a large meeting with all 317 stations is scheduled for tomorrow (2 April 2026) to discuss and agree on joint measures.
The matter will then be brought before the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Council for approval to suspend the tax in accordance with Ministry of Interior regulations. Once the proper procedures are completed and the council approves, the plan will be implemented immediately. He hopes to reduce fuel prices as soon as possible, ideally within this week, by designating Pathum Thani as a pilot province and promptly submitting the proposal for approval by the Pathum Thani Governor.
“I have confidence in the Governor because he recognizes the people's hardships. Fuel is a fundamental living necessity. If all parties agree, this pilot project will be launched, and the official method for claiming the benefit will be announced promptly to the people of Pathum Thani,” Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit concluded.
Meanwhile, Suriya Thammatara, a council member representing District 1 of Nong Suea District, shared his views after Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit’s remarks. He said that from his visits to the agricultural communities in Nong Suea, farmers complain about expensive fertilizer and pesticides, and now the high fuel prices add to their difficulties, especially for pumping water into their fields and gardens. The low selling prices of their produce worsen the situation. He expressed his strong support, saying that if the President can assist in this area, it would be greatly appreciated. He affirmed his agreement and support for the initiative on behalf of Nong Suea.