Abhisit Slams Government Claims as 'Far-Fetched,' Says Oil Price Relief Shifts Burden to Future Generations; Pledges to Investigate AI Projects

On May 23, 2025, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the government's 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree. He argued that while the government claims to worry about citizens and justify borrowing for relief programs, the actual solution it implemented was simply lowering oil prices. He expressed disappointment that the Finance Ministry rejected this analysis, despite his explanation that revenue losses from oil subsidies are far smaller than the loan amount, and that the problem could be solved without incurring unnecessary debt.

Abhisit noted that the Energy Ministry previously promised to seriously address abnormally high refinery costs and stop referencing Singapore oil prices. Last month, they claimed a 3-baht adjustment became 5 baht, but when public attention moved elsewhere, fuel and transport fares were immediately raised. The ministry then abandoned the initiative, reverting to the old system while attempting to fix pump prices by shifting the burden onto the oil fund—effectively burdening future fuel consumers.

Abhisit stated this contradicts the government's rhetoric of "ultimate solutions" and structural reform. He argued that without seriously addressing the root cause—energy prices—the government will spend massive amounts providing temporary relief while creating debt for future generations. The Democratic Party will therefore continue pushing this issue.

Abhisit announced that this week they will clarify details about the Land Bridge project, which costs nearly one trillion baht. With that same amount, southern Thailand could have a motorway from Bangkok to the border, dual-track electric railway connecting Malaysia, a deep-sea port in Ranong, and Gulf coast connections to Penang—all less expensive alternatives. The party will push the government to listen to these proposals.

Abhisit also raised concerns about the government's claim to need borrowing because budget transfers are impossible, though new cabinet ministers are already discovering problems in various ministries. On May 25, the Democratic Party will announce tools to investigate budget irregularities, beginning with all projects involving AI or artificial intelligence.

When asked to assess the political situation following support from both red and blue camp figures, Abhisit said the government's problem is not about influential backing, but whether it can actually solve people's problems. When asked whether various observers are noting that the blue regime is consolidating control over Thailand, Abhisit cautioned against rushing to conclusions, citing historical lessons showing that power consolidation attempts have not ended well.