Veerayut criticized Anutin for lacking sympathy for the people by suddenly raising fuel prices by 6 baht. He suggested that in such a crisis, the government should communicate with the public directly, not use the excuse of waiting for a new administration, and should use emergency reserve funds from the Election Commission to provide relief to the people immediately rather than delay.
On 26 March 2026 at the Future Forward Building, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, along with Mr. Veerayut Kanchuchat, deputy leader of the party, answered media questions regarding the overnight 6-baht increase in fuel prices.
When asked whether the sudden 6-baht fuel price hike was a government mismanagement and a failure to consider public sentiment, Mr. Veerayut said it undermined public confidence. In rural provinces, people had to queue with fuel gallons, only to learn in the morning that prices had jumped by 6 baht. Daily fuel buyers like fishermen would be discouraged by such a sudden increase. Today, uncertainty prevails, and the government shows no empathy for how people are supposed to live under these conditions.
Regarding the Prime Minister's urgent meeting with the economic team at Government House, Mr. Veerayut said he was unsure what measures might come out. Instead, government officials only spoke via various programs, citing, for example, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akiniti Nitithanprapas’s interviews with some media, but there was no official government communication. In a crisis like this, leadership and direct communication with the public are paramount—not merely statements through news or selective programs.
He emphasized that public relief can be provided immediately because emergency reserve funds already exist in the mid-year budget, unless the government has reserved the funds for other purposes. In this urgent situation, waiting for a new government is not an acceptable excuse. The government can use these funds through the Election Commission right away.
Mr. Veerayut added that after yesterday’s parliamentary session to discuss the matter, fuel prices surged immediately after the meeting closed, catching people off guard. Such management will only lead to turmoil. He viewed the government’s initial decision to freeze fuel prices for 15 days as a mistake since external disturbances like storms were occurring, yet the government erected a barrier instead of adapting.
He questioned whether the government has accepted that this decision was the root cause of the current turmoil. Previously, demand and supply were balanced, but now sellers offer less and buyers want more, creating gaps and loopholes, compounded by corruption. This chaos is a consequence of government policy. If the government refuses to admit this, no lessons will be learned, and there is still no answer on whether fuel prices will be allowed to float freely.
Mr. Veerayut personally believes Thai people understand that energy problems stem from external factors, but domestically, the government must recognize who is suffering and not selectively assist only certain groups. He asked what criteria the government is using to manage this situation.
Regarding whether the government plans to continue allowing fuel prices to rise by 6 baht repeatedly, Mr. Veerayut said no one can say for sure. Every year during Songkran, travel and the economy pick up, but facing this crisis, who would dare travel? If prices rise mid-trip or fuel is unavailable, the impact will certainly carry into the Songkran festival.
On the issue of fuel exports continuing to neighboring countries despite domestic shortages, Mr. Veerayut said the government must prioritize Thai citizens first. Whether to suspend exports depends on contract details, but fundamentally, the government should ensure sufficient domestic supply before exporting. He concluded by stating, “The decision to abruptly raise fuel prices by 6 baht has created social uncertainty. I criticize this as an unprincipled decision without explanation and lacking sympathy for the people.” He reaffirmed that the People's Party will closely monitor this issue.