Attakorn declared sympathy for the Prime Minister's misfortune, noting that immediately after dividing cabinet positions, a crisis emerged. He criticized the government's policies as lacking alertness, saying the public must grit their teeth and endure the crisis on their own. He vowed that the Kla Tham Party will ensure the government does not forget its promises to the people.
On 9 Apr 2026 at 10:45 GMT+7, during the parliamentary session reviewing the government's policy statement, Attakorn Sirilattiyakon, MP for Chachoengsao from Kla Tham Party, debated Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy speech. He said he felt indifferent, not excited, as if the policy statement was delivered in normal circumstances. He was unsure how well the government's policy would address the unpredictable global situation. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the government led by Prime Minister Anutin had succeeded and was approved by the people to govern the country.
"I speak frankly that I sympathize with the Prime Minister's bad luck. Sorry, it's unfortunate that just as cabinet positions were divided, a crisis hit immediately. What concerns me more is the discomfort and hardship of the Thai people spreading everywhere, who must rely on themselves to grit their teeth and get through the crisis."
Attakorn continued, saying the confusion and chaos from crisis communication and scattered information have caused public distrust and disorder. For example, as Thai people who rely on fuel daily, we still don't know how much oil stock the country has, how long it will last, or instructions to reduce consumption by 10%. If I usually walk 10 steps, should I try to reduce to 9? Or be advised to live simply? Overall, he sees the government working defensively, but in this situation, it must act proactively and decisively—fight if possible, and if not, still fight firmly during crisis.
"Looking at various policies, first is the professional cabinet. I understand your team includes politicians and outsiders. I also worry about one who has transformed from businessman to politician—yes, I refer to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce. He launched himself more spectacularly than the fireworks at the Chao Phraya river tourism landmark. But after many announcements, he has gradually vanished along with his campaign promises. I like the Deputy Prime Minister, so I hope the Prime Minister assigns him many tasks because solving economic problems is urgent. I hope the Prime Minister will not forget Supachai."
Regarding the 'Half-Half Plus' scheme, which is expected to require a 44 billion baht budget to help ease citizens' living costs, I have no objection. If insufficient, it can be 'Half-Half Plus Plus' from 2,000 to 4,000 baht. I sincerely hope this will stimulate the economy quickly.
"Another promise I will closely monitor is the 3-baht per unit electricity policy to ease energy burdens, Mr. Speaker. However, contradicting the Prime Minister's policy from the Bhumjaithai Party, on 1 April the Energy Regulatory Commission approved raising the electricity rate from 3.88 to 3.95 baht per unit for May to August, a 2% increase. Why does this contradict the announced policy? As opposition, I will continue to monitor and question the government on this matter," Attakorn said.
Regarding the new policy promoting electric motorcycles to boost the green economy, Attakorn said, based on statistics showing over 22 million motorcycle registrations worldwide, if half respond to your policy, 11 million more motorcycles will be added. He worries about the vast existing motorcycles: how to handle those no longer in use, and how to manage future battery disposal. Interestingly, manufacturers and dealers of electric motorcycles might become so wealthy they won’t know where to store their money. Nevertheless, he does not strongly oppose the green economy policy but urges careful planning and full implementation—not leaving it halfway like previous unclear green policies.
Regarding volunteer soldiers and nurses, Attakorn noted the government will need a budget of at least 35 billion baht annually and this may be a long-term commitment. He asked the government to consider compensation for Agricultural Volunteer Workers (AgV), a longstanding group of agricultural volunteers who have never received payment.
On security matters, Attakorn referred to the policy to build protective barriers against invasion and to cancel the MOU the government announced during the campaign, emphasizing he will closely monitor when the government will implement these plans.
Regarding the goal to push GDP growth to 3% within four years, Attakorn said that while he hopes the government achieves this, realistically it seems difficult. Multiple agencies—including NESDC, KKP, SCB, CIC, IMF, and Kasikorn Research Center—estimate GDP growth this year between only 1.2% and 2.5%.
On reviewing the Free Visa policy, Attakorn said previously he followed the former Prime Minister's urgent order to review foreign tourists' permitted stay durations. Many countries allow stays of 60 plus 30 days, while short-term tourists average only 6-10 days and long-distance tourists no more than 22 days.
The current permitted durations may be longer than necessary and could impact residency and competition for Thai labor jobs. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite reviewing this issue.
Regarding public administration, Attakorn said that although the government announced it prioritizes raising the Corruption Perceptions Index, the latest data shows the index in 2025 was the lowest in 19 years, with Thailand scoring only 33 out of 100.
In closing his debate, Attakorn mentioned the Prime Minister's statement about accelerating aid to vulnerable groups affected by fuel prices and the economy, and providing equal opportunities for all professions. However, he questioned why vulnerable groups had not been seriously supported, while business groups, especially energy companies, received swift aid.
"I will keep the government's policy booklet close to me to demand accountability for every promise made to parliament. I stress that if the Prime Minister and Cabinet forget their promises, I and Kla Tham MPs, led by Captain Thammanat Prompao, will remind the government until all commitments to the people are fulfilled. I acknowledge some policies were inserted into the statement for campaigning, but the key question remains: will these policies be truly implemented? Who will benefit? Will it really be the grassroots people?"