MP Natthaphong Backs Isan Salt Batteries, Probes Solar Project
The user wants a 1-2 sentence summary of the article, 120-220 characters max 240, in English only. Must be factual, no filler, lead with what happened then one key detail. No markdown, no quotes, no labels. Article: MP Natthaphong Ruengpany
MP Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut confirmed he will press ahead with scrutinizing the People's Solar Power project to determine whether large capital groups are being favored. He also urged the government to promote Isan's salt battery industry as a future strategic sector, noting Thailand has the potential to achieve nearly 100% local content.
Speaking at Parliament at 12:30 p.m. on October 28, 2026, the People's Party list MP said his party had previously raised concerns about possible cronyism in contractor selection for the solar registration scheme. "We will investigate thoroughly," he said.
But he wanted to raise another facet: energy transition hinges on storage, because solar cannot generate 24 hours a day. A critical step, he argued, is installing utility-scale batteries on the grid, not in individual homes. Khon Kaen University's KKUVOLT already possesses the intellectual property and a pilot plant for sodium-ion batteries, leveraging Thai expertise and the high-purity salt reserves beneath Isan — enough to supply ample raw material. The only shortfall is policy clarity from the government. Natthaphong said he had visited the facility himself and found its quality and cost competitive globally. The academics there asked only for a clear roadmap on how far and how fast the government intends to transition the energy structure; with that direction and a guaranteed market, investors are ready to commit.
Natthaphong added that the supply chain for domestic salt-battery production would require only about 20-30 billion baht and could source nearly all inputs locally. Thailand cannot produce lithium-ion batteries, but it possesses abundant salt, enabling close to 100% local content.
"I want to see a clear direction from the country's leadership on how the government will promote this future industry in Thailand, where we hold a comparative advantage," he said.
Asked whether low public uptake would mean the solar project had failed and wasted loan funds, Natthaphong replied that the scheme broadly aligns with People's Party policy, though implementation details may have issues. The paramount concerns, he stressed, are fairness and transparency, ensuring no overlapping interests with contractors awarded the project.
