Prime Minister Anutin declared that the public must not bear the burden of roadway electricity fees. He acknowledged concerns dating back to his time as Interior Minister, when the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and Provincial Electricity Authority reported on the matter. He promised a definite solution, noting this issue has existed for 30 to 40 years.
On 23 June 2026 at 13:11 GMT+7 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was interviewed about the controversy over dual electricity charges on citizens’ bills. He said he is directing an investigation to clarify how, when, and why this occurred. The Minister of Energy, Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) are gathering facts to report to him. Asked if citizens should not bear this burden, the Prime Minister said it is not a matter of desire, but citizens must not shoulder it. When asked about Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn’s statement that the Transport Ministry cannot afford to cover this cost, Anutin replied the ministry must establish a budget accordingly. He urged not to assume this is a burden on citizens until the investigation is complete. He acknowledged the controversy but said the truth is still unknown; if confirmed, citizens will not bear the cost.
When asked if this directive came from the Prime Minister, Anutin said there is some ambiguity depending on perspective and who claims what. The MEA and PEA have said they have borne the public electricity costs entirely. Back when he was Interior Minister, not overseeing Energy, he questioned if they profited from this burden and why they had to bear it. Now as Prime Minister, he revisits these questions. He has asked the Energy Minister to investigate with MEA and PEA. If these costs have been accepted since long ago as expenses that MEA and PEA must carry, that is one matter. But if they have added these charges to citizens improperly, he vowed to fix it. Asked when electricity bills might decrease, the Prime Minister noted efforts have already been made, such as reducing fees for the first 200 units, reflecting the government’s focus on citizens’ interests. He said further questions will be clarified in due time.
Asked if the two electricity authorities must bear the cost themselves, since the Transport Ministry cannot afford it, the Prime Minister said it is a matter of accounting between different budgets, not taking from citizens. He said this issue has existed for 30 to 40 years. If the government decides MEA and PEA no longer pay and instead the Department of Highways must cover the cost, that agency will need to allocate budget accordingly. It is not acceptable to say they have no funds. The government will review the facts first and stressed it will not shift these costs onto citizens. When asked about Energy Minister Eknath’s statement that facts remain unclear and further investigation is needed, Anutin said Eknath spoke because he received the matter from him. When asked if there will be relief measures for citizens who have paid these fees for a long time, the Prime Minister said the current government’s mission is to develop the country’s economy and care for its people. He said they consider assistance daily and will do everything possible because this is the government’s responsibility.