"Panthep" submits 8 proposals to restructure the energy sector; "Eknat" agrees and is ready to confront vested business interests, affirming 100% support for the people.
On 16 April 2026 at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Panthep Puapongpan, Chairman of the Homeland Vigilance Foundation, along with the Thai Energy Reform People's Network (TEPRN), Consumer Council, and Butterfly Flapping Wings group, met with Mr. Eknat Promphan, Minister of Energy. They submitted a letter demanding correction of the unfair oil price structure. Mr. Panthep stated that although global oil prices have dropped, prices in Thailand still do not reflect reality—especially with refinery profits as high as 14.40 baht per liter and marketing fees excessively high, causing severe hardship for the public. He proposed eight key measures, including stopping the borrowing of 150 billion baht to support the oil fund and instead using legal authority to reclaim excessive refinery profits. He also called for unlocking rooftop solar (Net Metering) so that citizens can sell electricity back to the state on a net usage basis to reduce electricity bills.
Mr. Eknat Promphan, Minister of Energy, said many points align with his own views and he disagrees with the current oil fund mechanism, which creates debt burdens without good governance. Regarding urgent measures, he believes a 2 baht reduction at refinery prices is insufficient and Thailand should stop relying fully on Singapore market prices as if it had no domestic refineries. He is preparing to propose five main policies to the Cabinet, particularly making “Solar Rooftop” a national agenda. He affirmed that he stands 100% with the people, is unafraid of vested business interests, and will involve civil society in monitoring operations to ensure transparency.
Regarding the 150 billion baht loan, Mr. Eknat explained that the fund's status is improving, so the goal is to manage without issuing new emergency borrowing orders or requiring Ministry of Finance guarantees to maintain fiscal discipline. Borrowing will be kept as a “last resort.” Concerning rumors about limiting gas station operating hours, he confirmed this is only a contingency plan for global scenarios. Currently, oil reserves are sufficient, so “there is no need to implement this measure” at this time. He urged the public to remain confident and not to panic.