The Energy Minister’s Secretary talked with “Kamnan Mano,” opening the door to the proposal to cut oil prices by 10 baht but has not yet begun negotiations. They emphasized doing their best with all measures but will not promise what cannot be done. The tags are [Energy Policy, Protest, Oil Prices, Government Response, Negotiations, Public Demonstration, Economic Impact]
At 14:00 on 9 November 2026, at the Phanit Chayakarn intersection, Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, along with Ms. Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, secretary to the Energy Minister, visited to speak with Mr. Mano Khrueakaew, leader of the People’s Revolutionary Alliance for National Protection (NPP), for an initial discussion about the purpose of their protest calling for a 10-baht reduction in oil prices. The tags are [Energy Ministry, Protest Meeting, Oil Price Protest, NPP Group, Leadership, Dialogue]
Mr. Pongpol said he represented Energy Minister Mr. Eknat Promphan to receive the proposal and coordinate with the protesters led by Kamnan Mano. Initially, they exchanged contact channels and coordinated official letters to formally receive the protesters’ proposals, which the Ministry of Energy will then consider. The tags are [Energy Ministry, Official Proposal, Coordination, Protester Communication, Government Representation]
Asked about the demand that if the 10-baht cut is not granted, talks would not proceed, and how the ministry would communicate this to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pongpol said this was the first step to listen and consider. They were not there to negotiate but to receive proposals and handle administrative coordination. Afterwards, they would wait until the protesters are ready to continue coordination. The tags are [Negotiation Conditions, Government Communication, Protest Strategy, Administrative Process]
When asked if the conditions for the 10-baht cut were similar to a previous group that protested at the Energy Ministry, and whether solutions might be pursued simultaneously, Mr. Pongpol said that earlier in the morning, the Transport Federation or truckers’ protest met with the Energy Minister with proposals including reducing diesel B7 to 35 baht per liter. The minister received all proposals but must examine details and global market prices, as well as other elements such as taxes and involvement of other organizations. The minister is reviewing and working on several parts of the proposals, such as adjusting refining margins and defining assistance measures, with discussions already underway. The tags are [Protest Comparison, Diesel Price, Transport Federation, Energy Policy, Market Analysis, Government Deliberation]
Asked if this aligns with Kamnan Mano’s proposals, Mr. Pongpol said the figures might differ slightly and the methods vary. All proposals arise from public hardship. The Ministry of Energy accepts them but whether they can be implemented remains to be seen. They are trying to use every tool fully but will not promise what is impossible. This is important because the issue is serious. The minister must first see the official proposals. Whether they meet before the Cabinet meeting depends on the protesters’ readiness. The ministry and government are ready to receive public concerns. The tags are [Proposal Alignment, Public Hardship, Implementation Challenges, Government Preparedness, Official Process]
Asked if the Ministry of Energy can bear this issue since protesters say if the 10-baht cut is not achieved, demonstrations may escalate, Mr. Pongpol said they are trying their best regardless of feasibility. He noted that the ministry monitors almost all components of energy pricing structures, including refining margins which had not been adjusted before, cutting excess refining profits to support refinery prices, and recently cutting phantom costs such as transport and insurance losses. Remaining elements still involve other structures and it is the duty of the Energy Ministry and other government ministries to discuss details. The tags are [Energy Pricing, Protest Escalation, Cost Reduction Measures, Government Responsibility, Market Structure]
Regarding the difficulty of achieving the 10-baht cut, Mr. Pongpol said that simply saying yes or no would end the discussion. It is the Energy Minister’s responsibility. The feasibility must be reviewed in detail again. The tags are [Policy Feasibility, Ministerial Responsibility, Energy Pricing, Government Decision-Making]