Abhisit sharply criticized the Bhumjaithai government's policy as forgetting the people and campaign promises. He listed four reasons calling it hopeless and unethical, condemning the government for shifting the oil burden onto citizens. He sarcastically urged chasing masked oil hoarders, repeating past failures seen in tackling scammers and shadow capital.
At 11:00 a.m. on 9 April 2026, Abhisit Vejjajiva, party-list MP and leader of the Democrat Party, said during debate that what we expect from policy statements includes: 1. Whether the public will support the coalition parties' promises made during campaigns to improve their lives, as reflected in the government's policy statement; 2. The Prime Minister’s opportunity as national leader to inspire hope and outline the country’s direction affecting all citizens; 3. A document parliamentarians will use to scrutinize the government. However, he found that some campaign promises were missing or not binding, such as the 3-baht electricity rate and volunteer nurse programs. Large projects were conducted covertly, like the land bridge project, which was not submitted to the Election Commission during campaigning and was not presented to parliament but only to the ministry. This project has faced ongoing questions about its value and environmental impact. Many groups were overlooked, such as village health volunteers who were absent from the statement, leaving uncertainty about support or morale boosting. The southern border provinces' issues were reduced to just "understand, reach out, develop" which is insufficient for peace-building, especially as the situation remains severe with a fellow MP recently shot, yet this was not reflected in the policy.
Abhisit continued, saying why we feel there is no clear direction or hope, citing four reasons: 1. The policies are vague and repetitive, stating principles and goals but lacking concrete plans, tools, clear timelines, or measurable indicators; 2. The management methods used by those currently in office; 3. The absence of the people's perspective and feelings in the policies; and 4. The lack of integrity and honesty essential for policy success. Yet, the government boldly claims to handle issues like scammer suppression and to secure sufficient fuel supply, manage inputs like fertilizer and energy costs affected by Middle East conflicts.
"Criticism of past failures centers on three points: 1. Mismanagement; 2. Refusal to share the burden beyond the public; and 3. Irregularities and profiteering. Notably, the fuel fund has accumulated increasing debt while shifting this burden to citizens, wasting 40 billion baht from people who buy expensive fuel later, without preparedness. Prices keep rising unchecked. Is it too late? The outcomes include chaos, shortages, losses, and business decline."
Supachai Interrupts, Emphasizes Previous Government Not Connected to New Administration
Reporters noted that while Abhisit was debating fuel refining cost hikes, Supachai Jaisamut, party-list MP from Bhumjaithai Party, protested that Abhisit was discussing the previous government, but the new government was only delivering its policy statement and had not begun work. Despite the Prime Minister ending his speech with thanks, work had not started. Supachai asked the chair to instruct Abhisit to offer advice or criticism looking forward, not revisiting refining cost issues. The chairperson, Sophon, ruled that the governments are continuous, allowing debate. Supachai then protested that no government is continuous; each ends completely. This is a new government, not the previous one. Some ministers were formerly in the last government but are now opposition. While issues affecting the public may overlap, the governments differ. He requested the chair’s ruling. Sophon allowed Abhisit to continue debating.
Sarcastically Urges Chasing Masked Oil Hoarders, Repeating Scam and Shadow Capital Mistakes
Abhisit resumed, saying this issue affects people's livelihoods. He said, "Your heart is not with the people." Even those who worked with the government for a week criticized the opposition for discussing oil prices as outdated; he said he will remain outdated, and believes the country will too, as no one expects glamour anymore. Regarding oil hoarding, they still have to chase masked hoarders, but the Prime Minister’s words hurt more when he said "only the people hoard oil." He urged the PM to find the real hoarders and handle it as with shadow capital and scammers, where opposition submitted information to authorities but actions lag behind other countries. Society suspects insiders linked to the government’s power circle. He questioned the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, responsible for investigating MOUs and iris scans, but now linked to global money launderers, yet still in office. How can this be trusted? The Deputy Prime Minister, chair of the Center for Economic Situation Administration, though not an MP, seems to represent refinery businesses, always defending business interests.
Watchful of Handling Contract Parties Causing State Damage, Including Parliament Construction Company
"I won't overstep by saying which party has lost its spirit, but the policy has truly vanished. Where is the income or profit guarantee for farmers promised by your party? The minimum wage is absent from the labor ministry. The word 'welfare' is scarce in this policy. The lack of concern for the impact and feelings of the people means this policy fails to inspire hope or direction for most citizens. I want the Prime Minister’s spirit, when making Shell Chuan Chim-style content, to appear in this policy. What makes me doubt the policy's success is the first page’s claim of governance by rule of law and equal law enforcement. I will monitor issues like Khao Kradong and the Senate rigging case, which the Pheu Thai Party has also highlighted, and ask for help in following up. It also states decisive action against state contractors causing public damage, such as the Audit Office building on Rama 2 and in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. But don’t forget the many problems with this Parliament building’s contractor; I will watch if action is taken. I’m surprised that before the current Cabinet list was announced, there was talk that one person failed qualification. Actually, that person has been accused by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). If the same standard applied, many here, including the Prime Minister, should not hold office."
Reiterates Prime Minister’s Words: Enough, Can’t Take It Anymore
Abhisit also said that before the policy statement, there is the important oath-taking ceremony, where the King said that if the oath is fulfilled, it must result in better quality of life for the people, democracy flourishing properly, and national security and unity. Every government has successes and failures, which can be understood, but what is unforgivable is seeking benefits for oneself or allies and disrespecting law and democracy processes. He warned the Prime Minister that if he sees the people only as a means to power, democracy as mere ritual, and ethical security as political tools, he will fail to fulfill his oath before the King, and everyone in the country will say, “Enough, can’t take it anymore.”