Prime Minister Anutin uses the energy crisis as an opportunity to review the electricity tariff structure fairly. He has appointed a committee to study electricity tariffs and comprehensively address the availability payment issue transparently, prioritizing public benefit without undermining incentives for investment in the country's power system.
12 May 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul places importance on structural solutions to electricity price problems, especially the costs arising from power purchase agreements with private power producers, which include key components such as Availability Payment (AP) and Energy Payment (EP), issues that have raised concerns among the public and private sectors amid rising electricity prices.
On 11 May 2026, the Prime Minister issued an order appointing a committee to consider solutions to problems arising from power purchases from private producers. The committee is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, with the Minister of Energy as vice-chair, and includes representatives from related agencies such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Interior, Attorney General's Office, Secretary-General of the Office of the Council of State, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, Governors of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Provincial Electricity Authority, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and representatives from civil society.
Ms. Ratchada said, this committee is tasked with studying ways to address inconsistencies with the customary terms in power purchase agreements with private producers, both regarding availability and energy payments. It will also propose policy measures to ensure solutions comply with the law, are fair to all contracting parties, and align with the cost burdens borne by the public.
Regarding this effort, the government understands that electricity costs are a significant expense for households and businesses. However, solutions must be comprehensive rather than temporary measures, since the power system relates to energy security, long-term investments, and investor confidence. The government will use a transparent process involving all stakeholders to analyze problems and find solutions, aiming to make Thailand’s energy system stable, transparent, competitive, and beneficial to the public. The government is committed to seriously addressing electricity tariff issues based on legality, fairness, and a people-centered approach.
“Amid the global energy crisis, the Thai government does not merely seek to manage immediate challenges but uses this crisis as an opportunity to review the electricity tariff structure to make it fairer. The public must be protected, while lawful operators must remain viable and have incentives to invest in and develop Thailand’s power system moving forward.”