Dr. Warong urges Minister Suriya to reconsider and cancel the EV tractor project, citing confusing and unclear data, and emphasizes that 80% of farmers want affordable quality fuel and fertilizer instead of the EV tractors.
At 11:10 a.m. on 22 Oct 2026 GMT+7 at the parliament meeting chaired by Speaker Sophon Sarum, during a live question session, Dr. Warong Dechkitvikrom, party-list MP and leader of Thai Pakdee Party, questioned Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Jungrungreangkit about the electric tractor (EV) project worth over 8 billion baht. Speaker Sophon announced that Minister Suriya had assigned Deputy Minister Watcharapol Kaokham to respond, but Watcharapol reported being unable to attend due to important commitments and asked to relay a summary to the minister.
Dr. Warong stated that the EV tractor project, as Minister Suriya described, remains confusing and inconsistent with facts. The project proposal to the loan screening committee claimed a budget of 11.6 billion baht but lacked clarity on the number of units, price per tractor, brand, or country of origin. Reviewing the project documents revealed discrepancies, such as stating farmers must pay fees while the minister claimed plowing would be free. The project benefits only tens of thousands of farmers covering 300,000 rai but requires over 10 billion baht, which is seen as excessive spending. He questioned whether the project was properly researched, if the EV tractors were seen in Thailand, or if real farmers were consulted. The project is unwanted by farmers, as at least 80% already own walking tractors. Farmers desire cheaper fuel and quality fertilizer more than EV tractors. He warned that if the project is not canceled, Minister Suriya would be forcing burdens onto Thai farmers.