"Peerapun" stakes claim on the energy sector, vowing to fully investigate the mysterious surge in solar power tariffs and exposing rushed contract signings after leaving office.
On 4 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Peerapun Saleerathavibhak, leader of the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP), announced his intention to immediately review solar power purchase projects if he returns to govern the country, after detecting irregularities in power purchase agreements (PPA) made during his absence as Minister of Energy.
Mr. Peerapun revealed alarming details about the electricity purchase price differential: the previous standard during his tenure required the state to buy power from private firms at no higher cost than its own production (referencing the state's Floating Solar project), approximately 1.57 baht per unit. However, following the government transition, new agreements were rapidly finalized at an increased price of 2.16 baht per unit.
He questioned why, while current technology reduces solar costs, the prices agreed upon between the state and private companies have paradoxically risen sharply, creating a long-term financial burden for the nation and its people. Throughout his two years as Energy Minister, he never authorized new power purchase tenders but focused on managing existing projects and delaying contract signings, as Thailand’s electricity reserves exceeded needs. Rushing to sign expensive contracts would unjustly benefit private firms.
Beyond investigating non-transparent contracts, he plans to propose a sustainable solution to lower electricity costs by deregulating solar power generation, allowing individuals or entities to produce their own electricity without complicated permits, thereby reducing the state’s purchase burden and lowering prices. If reinstated, he will fully probe why prices surged and why contract signings were expedited at those rates.