Siripong counters Suphanat's criticism of the electricity-saving policy as political, pointing out that the Ministry of Transport's policy is to reduce energy use, not to prohibit energy consumption. He advises that opposition should be constructive, not repetitive and outdated, failing to keep pace with global developments.
On 26 April 2026, Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, addressed the case where Suphanat Meenachainan, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party, criticized the Department of Rural Roads for accommodating the minister by reducing street lighting on low-risk routes to save energy. He explained that the Ministry of Transport's policy is
1. To reduce energy consumption amid the Middle East crisis, prioritizing safety. On some main roads with ample lighting or in rural areas with little nighttime traffic, alternating streetlight operation may be considered. On routes with fewer lights, turning them off is unnecessary to ensure safe travel.
2. To plan the replacement of bulbs with LED lights that save energy but provide equal or greater brightness.
3. To use solar cells to conserve energy. For routes without street lighting, local areas should report to the ministry, which will expedite budget allocation to install lighting.
Siripong emphasized that such matters should not become political issues accusing officials of currying favor. Energy conservation is necessary in the current situation because public electricity costs are ultimately passed on to citizens, increasing their burden. Failure to eliminate unnecessary usage worsens this burden. Switching to LED bulbs cannot be done all at once, so progress should proceed as possible. Critics should offer constructive opposition that reflects global realities, not outdated objections that no longer fit the current situation.