Siripa, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, criticized Peeraphan for reviving old accusations blaming Chuan as the root cause of the energy company's privatization law, which actually originated during Thaksin's era. She sharply remarked that after visiting Thansongkhla House, his ideals seem not to have faded.
28 Apr 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Siripa Intawichian, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, posted on Facebook to respond to the case of Mr. Peeraphan Sareerathwiphak, leader of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) and former Minister of Energy, who alleged Mr. Chuan Leekpai, former Prime Minister and former leader of the Democrat Party, as the true origin of the privatization of an energy company in 2001 through a 1999 privatization law. She found it surprising that Peeraphan, who approved that law during the 20th House of Representatives meeting on 13 Jan 1999, would not know the background that the law was issued to comply with IMF conditions to assist Thailand, followed by over 11 economic recovery laws.
However, the then-government did not attempt to privatize any state enterprises; it only issued a non-binding master plan. Mr. Chuan himself opposed privatization and proposed separating monopolies such as natural gas pipelines. The 1999 State Enterprise Capital Act, well known not to cause privatization, merely changed state enterprises into limited companies. From 1999 to 2001, no privatization proceeded because there was no real intention to privatize. Moreover, Chuan's government heeded opposition from several unions active at the time.
"Peeraphan, as an MP then, should have been well aware of this, especially during Thaksin Shinawatra's rapid privatization in 2001 when many investors benefited. The Thai Rak Thai government pushed privatization quickly. I hope your visit to Thansongkhla House has not caused your memories and ideals to fade," she said.
Additionally, Ms. Siripa posted an image of the parliamentary resolution from 13 Jan 1999 showing Peeraphan's name among those who voted "agree" to that law, while still a Democrat Party MP at the time.
