Bangkok: Citizens and members of the People's Party (PPP) have voiced their concerns over the government's recent measures, claiming they fall short of providing adequate immediate assistance amid the ongoing oil crisis.

According to Thai News Agency, the PPP highlighted the inadequacy of the newly allocated budget of 3 billion baht, which excludes critical sectors such as fisheries and plastic pellets. The party also emphasized the need for transparency regarding fertilizer quantities and prices nationwide to prevent profiteering by middlemen. They called for legislative action to ensure transparency in any budget transfers.

Mr. Veerayut Kanchuchat, Deputy Leader of the People's Party, along with Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul and Mr. Decharat Sukkamnerd, presented the party's proposals for relief measures following a special cabinet meeting. Mr. Veerayut noted that while a budget of 7.7 billion baht was approved, only about 3 billion baht is designated for immediate assistance. The remaining funds are allocated for managing previously unbudgeted items for state welfare cardholders in the 2026 fiscal year. Key groups, such as fishermen and those involved in the upstream supply chain, remain unaddressed.

The PPP stressed that government contractors in the construction sector have received detailed assistance measures. These include amending contracts, adjusting figures, increasing the diesel fuel surcharge to 69.99 baht, or canceling contracts with a refund of their security deposit. Mr. Decharat stated that other groups deserve equal consideration and attention from the government.

The party also criticized the limited scope of the Green Flag Fertilizer project, suggesting it should be expanded to cover all farmers. Mr. Decharat pointed out that only about 1% of the fertilizer demand is met under the current project. He urged the Ministry of Commerce to disclose the amount of fertilizer available and permitted retail prices to prevent price gouging and avoid a recurrence of issues experienced during the fuel shortage.

Ms. Sirikanya highlighted that most of the budget in the current measures addresses the government's internal problems, specifically the insufficient allocation to the Pracharath Fund for the 2026 fiscal year. She explained that the fund, typically requiring 50 billion baht annually, was allocated only 30 billion baht, leading to a shortfall by mid-fiscal year. This situation necessitated using 4.7 billion baht from the central budget, revealing the government's fiscal challenges.

For future budget adjustments, a Cabinet resolution is necessary to determine which items should be cut or continued. Ms. Sirikanya stressed the urgency to explore alternative funding sources to address immediate public issues, warning that without effective measures, citizens will continue to endure disproportionate relief.