Pol.Pee ordered the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to investigate the Chiang Mai survey of solar panel installation businesses, which specified an installation price of 110,000 baht. He also ordered an inquiry into whether registered companies are interconnected, stressing that there is only one price of 140,000 baht.
On 2 Nov 2026 at Nong Khai Hospital, Nong Khai Province, Pol.Pee Suwanchawi, Deputy Minister of the Interior, addressed the case where Trirat Sirichantaropas, energy economic team member of the Democrat Party, revealed information and documents related to the government's “Solar for the People” project. Trirat suggested the project structure might enable benefits favoring the electricity authority. Pol.Pee said he had already received reports through the PEA Region 1 office responsible for Chiang Mai. The survey of businesses was likely done with good intentions to assess readiness for solar installation. Regarding the 110,000 baht figure in the survey, he said he did not know its origin and emphasized to the PEA governor that a fact-finding committee must be set up. He reaffirmed that 140,000 baht is the standard price set by the electricity sector. He admitted being shocked by the 110,000 baht figure and speculated it might exclude a 10,000–20,000 baht deposit, but he was unsure. He assured citizens and businesses that the installation price is 140,000 baht and that people may choose their own installation providers; the electricity authority does not select them.
When asked about concerns that this might create opportunities for corruption, Pol.Pee explained that the standard price of 140,000 baht applies to all installers. Questions have been raised whether the 50,000 baht deposit is excessive. His intention is to allow those with limited means to install fewer panels, not that someone able to install 100 roofs would do 1,000. However, if 100 roofs are installed, expanding by another 100 roofs repeatedly is possible. The project lasts one year, with over 70,000 people registered, leaving ample room for more participants. He thanked those investigating the data and stressed that this issue is isolated to Chiang Mai; central authorities only learned of it through the media. He planned to meet all PEA regional heads in Udon Thani province that afternoon.
Regarding claims by the People's Party that many registered solar installation companies have directors who are interconnected, Pol.Pee said that when companies register, they do not check shareholders or directors but assess financial status, company engineers, experience, and capacity to serve the public. He thanked them for the information and said they would verify whether the distribution of work is done independently or subcontracted. The PEA will examine details of both scenarios.