Opposition Demands Targeted Energy Crisis Aid for Farmers and Fishers
Opposition MP Veeraputh Kanchuchart criticized the government for diverting 200 billion baht from energy crisis relief into a consumer stimulus program instead of targeted aid for farmers, fishers, and transport sectors hit hardest by surgi
Veeraputh Kanchuchart, a People's Party list MP and deputy party leader, criticized the Thai Help Thai Plus program at the 12th shadow cabinet meeting held at parliament on September 16, 2025. The session was led by Nuttapong Ruangpanya Wuthi, party list MP and party leader, alongside MPs Nuttacha Boonchai Insawasdi, Worrapop Viriyarojn, and Suphachoat Chaisatch.
Veeraputh addressed government policies affecting livelihoods and GDP, pointing out that oil prices have surged again since late July, rising on average 5 baht per liter, with diesel returning to 40 baht. Though the government borrowed 400 billion baht purportedly to ease the energy crisis, he said 200 billion baht was diverted to the Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 consumer stimulus—a move he characterized as political score-keeping rather than crisis response.
He argued that energy shocks hit agriculture, fishing, and transport sectors hardest, yet those groups received no targeted aid. "Farmer production costs have risen over three months, but the government used borrowed money meant for the energy crisis to maintain political popularity instead of targeted relief," Veeraputh said.
On the automotive industry, Veeraputh noted the government only acted after Indonesia lured away major manufacturers like Toyota. He criticized the focus on excise tax policy for imported electric vehicles, calling it indirect and insufficient. Real support requires budget allocation, key performance indicators, and precise measures to protect domestic raw materials, components, and supply-chain value.
Veeraputh proposed four measures: First, Chinese EV makers have received over 20 billion baht in subsidies with conditions on domestic material use, yet enforcement is lax; inspections must tighten. Second, investment must adapt to the future, including R&D centers and software development for modern vehicles. Third, do not ignore the automotive workforce—4 to 5 hundred thousand jobs are at risk; tax measures alone will not sustain the industry without budget and staffing support. A fourth point was cut off in the source text.
