Protest Enters Day 5 at Government House Over Diesel Prices
The Kamnan Mano-led protest at Government House entered its fifth day demanding a 10-baht-per-liter diesel price cut. Organizers plan to bring in oil experts to justify the demand and dismissed a donation controversy as minor while promising full financial transparency. Kamnan Mano threatened to escalate protests if the government does not act, criticizing Thailand's energy management compared to Malaysia's model.
On November 12, 2026, reporters covered the atmosphere at the Chamai Maruchet Bridge as the protest by the People's Revolution Network to Protect the Land (NPK) entered its fifth day. The group is pressing the government to urgently address public hardships, particularly reducing diesel prices by 10 baht per liter. Today's main activity remained an evening speech platform with leaders from various sectors presenting demands.
Kamnan Mano Kuekaew, NPK leader, revealed plans to invite oil experts this weekend to explain the rationale behind the 10-baht diesel reduction demand, insisting it is evidence-based. Regarding a donation dispute, Kamnan Mano called it a minor issue and refused to engage in mutual accusations to avoid affecting protesters' morale. He confirmed all donations were received and would detail income and expenses that evening. An accountant from Krabi has volunteered to systematize the accounts, expected to arrive tomorrow.
Asked about the government's stance on fuel prices, Kamnan Mano said he does not follow media but believes the Prime Minister knows why Thai fuel prices remain high, partly tracing it to the sale of refineries and petroleum processing operations. He compared Thailand to the "seventh cat in ASEAN" despite greater potential, arguing that adopting Malaysia's energy management model — with a national petroleum company as a key mechanism — could lower fuel prices and make Thailand a top ASEAN "tiger." He asserted past energy management cost Thais opportunities and hardship, and expressed confidence the Premier knows what to do, adding that energy tycoons have backed politics in every era.
On whether the Prime Minister should personally receive their demands, Kamnan Mano welcomed the possibility. Regarding the government's idea to phase out 91 and 95 octane gasoline in favor of E20 gasohol, he declined direct comment but reiterated the government should study Malaysia's oil management model, believing a 10-baht diesel cut is achievable and known to relevant officials, including former prime ministers and energy policymakers.
If the government fails to act, Kamnan Mano vowed to continuously assess and escalate protests to pressure faster action. Meanwhile, schools in the protest area reopened normally today for the first time, and Kamnan Mano...
