Nattacha, MP from the Prachachon Party, criticized the government for abandoning the elderly amid the economic crisis and pressed Phiphat to clarify the oil hoarding scandal instead of staying silent.
At 09:23 on 14 Apr 2026 GMT+7, at Bangpakok 9 International Hospital, Jatuchomthong, Bangkok, representatives of the Prachachon Party attended a water pouring ceremony for seniors during the Songkran Thai New Year festival, including Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader of Prachachon, and Mr. Nattacha Boonchai-insawat, Prachachon party list MP.
Mr. Nattacha then spoke about the fact that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, had yet to clarify issues after being questioned over diesel shortages and high prices early in the Middle East conflict. He said this Songkran period is a crisis especially for more than 14 million elderly Thai people facing rising living costs. The government's additional 100 baht per month for seniors is not a solution to this crisis.
He added that citizens fueling their vehicles on trips home during Songkran inevitably think of Mr. Phiphat. During government policy debates in parliament, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, Prachachon party list MP, exposed the involvement of 'the masked man' in hoarding oil and speculation causing price spikes and shortages. Yet no clarification has been given on government involvement or plans to resolve this, especially from Mr. Phiphat, tasked by the Prime Minister to handle this matter. We want to hear how Mr. Phiphat will address this, especially during the peak travel period when fuel demand is highest. He must come forward to explain and speak with the public, rather than exploiting the festive mood and ignoring the unresolved situation. He must clearly distinguish between the hoarders and those cracking down on them. Remaining silent will lead the public to suspect that the hoarders and government are one and the same.
Mr. Nattacha continued that during the debate, Mr. Rangsiman presented clear parliamentary evidence naming individuals allegedly involved in oil hoarding. Mr. Phiphat should clarify these allegations, including any connections to the arrested oil owners, loan relationships, or other ties. Whether or not these exist, the public deserves answers about Mr. Phiphat’s awareness or complicity in these acts. Mr. Rangsiman detailed the location of the oil depot, its stockpiling during shortages, and subsequent release as prices rose. Mr. Phiphat knows the oil owner personally. Using the Songkran festival to silence this truth is unfair to the people. Therefore, Mr. Nattacha urged the Prime Minister to instruct ministers, who claim to be competent and precise, to manage this situation and public sentiment effectively, resolving the crisis as a meaningful Thai New Year gift.