Dr. Satithorn analyzes the government's decisive move to cut the refining fee by 2 baht, seeing it as a positive sign of boldness in confronting major energy players and quelling the drama of the high-price crisis.
On 10 April 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Satithorn Thananitichot, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, shared his perspective on the Oil Fuel Fund Committee's resolution to use emergency powers to reduce the refinery gate price by 2 baht per liter. He noted that while the amount may seem modest, it carries sharp political significance, demonstrating this government's bravery in breaking through entrenched interests of refinery capital groups—an area few previous governments dared to challenge—in order to ease social pressure from the severe cost of living burdens.
Dr. Satithorn views this decision as proactive image management to restore confidence amid the global energy crisis shaking government stability. He acknowledged that negative criticism is normal when citizens bear heavy burdens. However, the government must find a balance between helping consumers and not overburdening private firms to the point of system collapse. He also urged accelerating alternative energy solutions to prepare for prolonged Middle East conflicts, aiming for sustainable security beyond short-term fixes.