Siriphong lashes out at Peerapan over his criticism that the Commerce Minister is idle and not controlling oil prices. He retorts sharply that when Peerapan himself had power, he did not complete the task, accusing him of only being good at criticism and questioning his achievements.
On 29 Mar 2026, Siriphong Angkasangkulkit, deputy leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, responded to Peerapan Saleerutwiphak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, who criticized the Commerce Minister for risking neglect of duty. This came after Supachai Sutthampan, Commerce Minister, explained that the ministry cannot intervene in oil prices because it lacks authority. If the Commerce Minister were to intervene, it would be considered exceeding legal authority, as the law does not allow the ministry to control oil prices.
He cited Administrative Court rulings on fuel cases No. 1872/2013 (black case) and No. 1937/2018 (red case), confirming the Commerce Ministry has "no authority" to set oil prices. The court affirmed that the government abolished oil price controls in 1991, allowing prices to follow free market mechanisms, with energy agencies overseeing the sector directly. Therefore, the Central Committee on Goods and Services Prices (CCGS) and Commerce Ministry are not price-setting bodies. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld the lower court rulings.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman's ruling stated that authority to regulate oil prices lies with the Ministry of Energy, while the Commerce Ministry's role is limited to monitoring price displays.
Siriphong said, "If the Commerce Minister acted as Peerapan suggests, he would be breaking the law. Peerapan is a legal expert; surely he knows this. Or is he setting a trap, digging a hole to lure fish while also seeking attention—doing two things at once." "The problem is this matter is under the Ministry of Energy's jurisdiction. Peerapan was once Minister of Energy with full authority, overseeing energy structures for many years. He should have known all about the price structure, whether prices were low or high, and he had the power to manage it. So why didn't he act? Why didn't he complete the job? What skill does he have criticizing the current government, which does not yet have full authority? Remember, we do not have a new cabinet yet; all current ministers are acting ministers."
