Civil groups push for relief as energy costs surge

A civil network of 14 organisations rallied today against, what they called, the government’s failure to handle the effects of the Middle East crisis, demanding that the administration lowers electricity prices, among other measures.

The groups staged a symbolic protest, featuring a short theatrical performance and placards, calling on the government to address the energy crisis and the rising cost of living stemming from tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran.

They also submitted a letter outlining three key demands.

The network urged the government to cut the electricity tariff from 4.18 baht to 3 baht per unit, in line with campaign promises made by parties in the ruling coalition.

It also called for the removal of excise taxes on fuel, a reduction in refinery margins and a one-year freeze on household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.

The group argued that high fuel prices are driven by overlapping taxes and costs, including value-added tax, oil fund levies, local taxes, environmental taxes, as well as refining and marketing margins.

It also called for stricter price controls on essential consumer goods, to prevent profiteering, the distribution of low-cost goods in communities nationwide and fuel subsidies for delivery riders providing food and passenger transport services.

The group stressed that these proposals are aimed at ensuring that the government fulfills its duty to protect citizens at a time of rising global living costs.

The protest leader, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, told reporters that the administration’s handling of the situation has been a failure, citing inaccurate government information regarding national oil reserves.

He also alleged that certain business groups are taking advantage of the crisis to generate excessive profits and called for structural reforms.