Prime Minister Anutin assures that the new electricity tariff restructuring will definitely reduce costs. He points out turning sunlight into money through solar roofs and says solar roof prices will drop in the future. He gives the example of mobile phones, which once cost nearly 200,000 baht but now are about 400 baht each.
On 1 May 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about the new electricity pricing structure. When asked if people would pay less for electricity than currently, he said, "We are turning sunlight into money by using sunlight through solar roofs. Citizens use it, and the state buys back the surplus to use elsewhere. This is like reforming the electricity structure for the people."
When asked if it’s possible to reduce solar roof costs to make them more accessible, the Prime Minister said it depends on supply and demand, similar to mobile phones in the early days when they cost over 200,000 baht each. Since everyone needed them and companies competed, quality improved. Now, ordinary phones cost just 400 baht, though not smartphones. He recalled buying his first mobile phone for 120,000 baht, carrying it under his arm, very cool, with a battery that could cause injury. Today, prices are so low that sometimes you get a phone free with a purchase.
When asked if people must accept higher electricity costs for now, the Prime Minister responded, "The first 200 units are cheaper for everyone at 3 baht per unit. For 200 to 400 units, prices are tiered. Above 400 units, there’s another rate. This averages out burdens and benefits, a method used in many systems in Thailand."
Asked whether electricity bills in April, already high, combined with the new tariff restructuring that won’t apply immediately, might cause public complaints, Anutin said, "You should ask the relevant agencies. It won’t apply to this billing cycle. Everything has steps. The Energy Regulatory Commission, an independent body, handles this. I cannot enforce anything. But at least we have started, now in the second week after announcing policy to Parliament. We will proceed as fast as possible. Programs like 'Khon La Khrueng' and 'Thai Chuay Thai Plus' aim to reach people by early June. It’s not slow. Electricity billing runs on cycles, and we are doing our best."