Chainat Residents Slam New Electricity Rate Structure as Unjust, Question Why Bills Surge Thousands of Baht Despite Unchanged Income
Chainat residents are angry over new electricity rate charges that have already surged hundreds of baht monthly, with business owners and vendors struggling as costs rise while income stays flat.
Chainat residents are criticizing the new electricity rate structure as unjust, questioning why their bills are surging by thousands of baht when their income hasn't changed. After the Energy Regulatory Commission approved a new electricity rate structure to begin in June, the first 200 units were set at no more than 3 baht per unit, while usage exceeding 401 units could cost over 5 baht per unit under a tiered system.
Reporters recently visited a decorative fish shop owner in Muang District, Chainat Province, which operates 24 hours daily to run oxygen pumps and lighting. Nattanon Ratphon, 37, the shop owner, revealed that this measure severely impacts business operators. Current sales are already poor, yet electricity costs are climbing in contradiction to the economic situation. This month alone, his bill jumped from 2,000 to 3,500 baht, and any further increases under the new structure would be unbearable. He questioned why bills keep rising by thousands of baht when income remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, 50-year-old vendor Jarinya Eamlaao shared that the scorching heat combined with caring for her bedridden father forces her to run air conditioning around the clock. With goods, fuel, and other expenses already expensive, people are forced to maintain the same income while costs rise everywhere. If the new rate structure pushes electricity bills even higher, she fears life will become increasingly difficult.
