MP Siraphop of the Kla Tham Party strongly criticized the government for sneakily raising oil prices by 6 baht per liter at midnight, likening it to robbing the people. He called for clear explanations of compensation measures and questioned whether the government considered the added burdens on grassroots communities, farmers, and the transport sector.
On 26 Mar 2026 at 08:30 GMT+7, Mr. Siraphop Somphon, MP for Sakon Nakhon from the Kla Tham Party, commented on the Oil Fund Management Board's decision to reduce compensation rates for diesel and gasoline prices, resulting in a 6 baht per liter increase in all retail fuel prices today (26 Mar). He said the situation makes "the people feel as if they were robbed late last night." He called it a major issue, adding that although the public is aware of the country's energy challenges, and nearly 100 MPs from both opposition and government sides debated these issues yesterday (25 Mar), no one expected the government to announce such a heart-shaking price hike for grassroots Thais in the middle of the night.
"I hope we will hear clear explanations from the government, including comprehensive measures to address the current situation. Otherwise, chaos at gas stations across the country will worsen beyond what we've seen over the past two weeks. People will rush to buy as much fuel as possible because they cannot predict how much prices will spike in the coming days," said Siraphop.
Siraphop added that the government should consider how farmers, grassroots communities, and the transport sector will cope. Production costs cannot be contained any longer, so the prices of rice, daily necessities, and consumer goods will inevitably rise. Thais understand that this situation results from conflicts in the Middle East, an uncontrollable factor causing oil prices to surge. However, he hopes the public will find reassurance today in concrete, clear relief measures from the government, rather than mere promises aimed only at temporarily managing the situation.