The People's Party expressed disappointment that the National Oil Crisis Center (NOC) is not prioritizing finding the masked individuals stealing oil. They proposed that the government implement direct assistance measures, such as oil and fertilizer coupons for farmers. Additionally, they are preparing to sanction party defectors. Veerayut pointed out that expelling them is ineffective and instead promotes further internal defections.
On 20 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Future Building, Mr. Veerayut Kanchuchat, party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, along with Mr. Decharat Sukkamnoed, the party's policy director, held a press conference expressing concern over the agricultural sector situation. This arose due to the country's oil crisis impacted by conflicts in the Middle East.
Mr. Veerayut stated that following yesterday's meeting of the National Oil Crisis Center (NOC), the People's Party is deeply disappointed. Previously, the NOC director had promised to apprehend those illegally removing oil from the system, but despite the Prime Minister chairing yesterday’s meeting, no arrests were made. The People's Party demands accountability for those profiting from the public’s hardship.
Although this morning’s raid in Ang Thong Province was a positive start, the confiscated oil there was valued at only about 10 million baht. The actual volume of oil lost from the system yields much higher profits. Without serious enforcement, the crisis will persist, allowing continued exploitation of the public’s suffering.
Mr. Veerayut further urged the government and NOC to disclose oil data, which is not a difficult task. The situation remains unresolved, so transparency is critical. Previously, the private sector created a website allowing people to submit data from various areas. Meanwhile, provincial energy offices already maintain local data. For example, Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization, cooperating with the provincial energy office, publicly displays the remaining oil quantities at each gas station. He called on policymakers to seriously provide an open data dashboard to reduce public anxiety.
Mr. Veerayut said a key concern now is that farmers’ voices are not reaching the NOC and government, especially regarding oil and fertilizer. It is currently harvest season, yet farmers face shortages of oil needed for water pumps, tractors, and harvesters. Without this supply, there is a high risk of rice falling unharvested, affecting farmers’ incomes and Thailand’s rice production and market supply.
Without targeted oil support measures for farmers now, difficulties will worsen. The People's Party therefore proposes that the government issue oil coupons. Thailand already has a robust database identifying farmers by area and crop type. Utilizing oil coupons would provide the most precise assistance.
Mr. Veerayut also highlighted an emerging fertilizer issue. Current government data is inconsistent: the Commerce Minister stated fertilizer stocks would last until May, while the Department of Internal Trade says until August. The People's Party calls for disclosure of accurate information.
Furthermore, existing programs like the Blue Flag or Green Flag initiatives are insufficient. Last fiscal year, subsidized fertilizer projects under the Department of Internal Trade helped about 90,000 to 100,000 bags—totaling around 5 million kilograms. Yet, Thailand’s total fertilizer demand is about 5 million tons. This means the previous Green Flag program assisted only 0.1%, or one in a thousand, farmers. The People's Party urges reform of assistance methods for more targeted help via fertilizer coupons, delivering aid directly to farmers during harvest time with controlled budgets.
Plans to sanction party defectors: Veerayut notes that expulsion is ineffective as it encourages further defections within the party.
When asked about MP Suriya Wongaree of Udon Thani, who voted against the party consensus, and whether he would be expelled, Mr. Veerayut said expulsion is not always beneficial. Removing him might simply lead to him joining another party, worsening the problem of "snake-eating-snake" defections. Therefore, measures should be effective punishments without offering loopholes or benefits. The final decision will come from the party MPs meeting. Regarding whether Mr. Suriya has contacted the party to explain, Veerayut said attempts have been made to reach him, and all information will be presented at the MPs meeting to determine appropriate action.
Regarding rumors of party restructuring and possible changes in leadership positions, Mr. Veerayut said decisions must be made at the party’s general meeting scheduled for late April. This annual meeting includes reviewing the party executive committee. He asked for patience until the meeting’s resolution, declining to comment prematurely.
When asked again whether he would accept the party leader position and serve as opposition leader if elected, Mr. Veerayut only smiled and replied briefly, "Let's wait for that time."