Former Pheu Thai Spokesman Urges Fuel Price Action Over Political Wins
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Former Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Prompong Naphrithit urges the government and opposition not to obsess over political victories while ignoring the people's cost-of-living crisis, as fuel prices remain high. He advises the government to find ways to put money in people's pockets rather than just watching pump price figures.
On October 31, 2026, Prompong commented on the opposition's moves toward a no-confidence debate under Section 151 and a general debate under Section 152, saying he supports government scrutiny but doesn't want to see both sides competing for political wins while forgetting the daily livelihood burdens on citizens.
The government cut diesel B7 to 42.54 baht per liter and reduced gasohol 91-95 by 50 satang per liter on October 29, but fuel prices remain high, affecting occupational costs, especially for farmers, transport operators, and merchants who bear both fuel and transport costs.
A recent report from Maha Sarakham Province shows some rice harvesting contractors raised service fees from 700 to 800 baht per rai due to rising fuel costs, while some operators worry about using B20 diesel in their engines, leaving farmers to shoulder higher harvesting costs.
"The economy, cost of living, and energy remain major problems. Diesel dropped by one baht but the burden on households hasn't disappeared. Trucks must refuel, farmers must pay for harvest transport, merchants must pay for goods transport. Incomes aren't rising but costs remain high. The government must look at the people, find ways to help, alleviate, and put money in people's pockets — not just watch pump price numbers," Prompong said.
Prompong proposed three urgent measures: 1) Reduce fuel costs by reviewing the pricing structure, taxes, refining costs, considering the Fuel Fund status and fiscal discipline, with transparency for public scrutiny. 2) Help struggling farmers and the transport sector by surveying rice harvesting and produce transport costs, considering targeted assistance using existing legal budgets. 3) The Commerce Ministry's Internal Trade Department should monitor transport costs and essential goods prices; if violations are found, investigate under its authority and refer matters within the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services' jurisdiction, while reporting results to the public.
The former Pheu Thai spokesperson added that the opposition must scrutinize with data and evidence, while the government must answer with results — not just claim fuel prices were cut but prove whether people's burdens have actually decreased. Solve problems that reach people's pockets. Don't just compete over who wins in parliament; compete over who actually makes people's lives better.
"Politics can win round after round, but don't let the people lose every round. Those who are suffering aren't waiting to hear who wins the political game; they're waiting for their lives to get better," Prompong said.
