Peerawat, deputy spokesperson of the Kla Tham Party, criticized the Commerce Minister for being inactive amid high oil prices, U.S. tariffs, and inflation, calling for resignation if the minister is unmotivated or ineffective.
On 25 July 2026, Peerawat Somwong, deputy spokesperson of the Kla Tham Party and opposition member, said Thailand is facing simultaneous economic pressures: soaring global energy prices, uncertainty from U.S. import tariffs, and inflation eroding citizens' purchasing power. Yet the public sees no proactive role from the Commerce Minister, who should be the key leader protecting living costs and supporting Thai businesses.
Peerawat stated that Brent crude oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel again due to geopolitical tensions, driving up global energy and transportation costs. The Bank of Thailand estimates that if energy prices remain high, they will significantly push Thailand’s inflation in 2026 to around 2.9% through broad cost pass-through to goods and services.
Additionally, Thailand faces pressure from a U.S. import tariff of up to 12.5% on goods from multiple countries, which is already in effect and may harm the competitiveness of Thai exporters in the U.S., one of the country’s key export markets.
"This is a triple economic storm forming at once, yet there have been no proactive measures announced, no plans to support exporters, no relief for living costs, and no confidence-building communication from the Ministry of Commerce. The public has the right to ask whether the Commerce Minister is still performing their duties," Peerawat said.
Peerawat added that although Thailand’s overall inflation rate slowed to 2.42% in June from 2.79% in May, pressure from energy costs and trade barriers remains a significant risk that could push prices higher if the government fails to respond promptly.
"The Ministry of Commerce is not just for public appearances—it must actively protect people's livelihoods, manage prices, support exporters, and maintain the country's competitiveness. If the minister is unprepared or lacks the energy to perform during this crisis, they should make way for someone ready to take responsibility," he emphasized.
Peerawat urged the Prime Minister to urgently and seriously assess the performance of the economic cabinet, especially the Ministry of Commerce, because the current situation is not a time to cling to positions but a time to stabilize the economy and protect people's well-being.
"The opposition does not call for resignation for political reasons but because the country faces multiple economic crises simultaneously. If any minister is unmotivated, incapable, or absent when the people need them most, they should resign to allow those willing to work to take over, so the country can move forward," he concluded.