"Professor Jes" warns the government to address the energy crisis by revealing the true structure of oil prices and actual costs, fearing conflicts of interest could destroy public trust and confidence in the system.
On 30 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Jes Tonawanik, prime ministerial candidate for the Rakchat Party, spoke about Thailand's current energy situation. He stated that the country is not yet in a crisis stage, but poor government management could inevitably escalate the situation into a full energy crisis. He called on the government to be transparent about oil price structures and to promptly resolve concerns over conflicts of interest.
Mr. Jes said that floating or adjusting oil prices might be necessary, but this process must be clearly communicated to the public. Many may see this as a business matter where cost structures and operational mechanisms are not usually disclosed to the public. However, essential public utilities that are vital to daily life must be transparently explained to the people. Today, the problem is not communication itself, but rather that the truth is not presented, leading to a lack of credibility.
Mr. Jes stated that if oil prices increase by 6 baht, the government must clearly explain the price structure, such as how much reflects the global market price (e.g., 4.50 baht) and how much is collected for the oil fund to maintain future stability. If the public is unaware of the real costs, negative feelings will arise, with perceptions of exploitation or unfair treatment. In such a negative environment, people often suspect they are being taken advantage of. Ultimately, the truth will come out—why prices were held steady for 15 days, where the funds came from, and if those funds are unsustainable, why accumulation for compensation is necessary. The government must explain that maintaining price stability continuously will eventually deplete reserves.
Mr. Jes added that the Middle East situation might not resolve quickly. Even neighboring issues, such as between Thailand and Cambodia, require ongoing vigilance as these could become future threats—not only related to oil. Although past management has been somewhat effective, the most fragile issue is conflicts of interest. Allowing stakeholders from the energy business to play roles in government administration raises concerns. If public trust declines, it could lead to demands for change. While the government has done well, he urged them to improve further. This situation may last a long time and could worsen if not properly prepared and managed, potentially leading to a real crisis.