Bangkok: The Democrat Party launched its innovative "Watch Page" platform, encouraging the public to report issues related to commodity prices. Korn Kaewprasert raised a pressing question to the Prime Minister, questioning why, despite having the authority, he has not investigated the reported disappearance of oil. This concern arises after government claims of public hoarding, while gas station owners report receiving only half of their expected fuel quotas. The party is set to present an urgent motion in parliament on Wednesday to discuss solutions to the energy crisis and soaring commodity prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Korn Chatikavanich and Ms. Kardee Leowpairoj, deputy leaders of the Democrat Party, alongside their team, hosted a press conference to address the use of digital technology in tackling the escalating commodity prices. Mr. Korn highlighted the concerning issue of fuel access, revealing that investigations in southern provinces show gas stations receive less than half their usual supply. This is despite sufficient crude oil and refinery capacities. He questioned the whereabouts of the excess fuel, emphasizing the government's lack of clear communication on the matter.
The party urges the government to thoroughly investigate the supply chain and transparently inform the public of their findings. Besides oil prices, public concerns extend to the impact on overall commodity prices and living costs, with oil being a significant factor. The Democrat Party calls for the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce to regulate price gouging and identify necessary price adjustments.
Ms. Kardee introduced the "Watch Out" platform, developed by the Democrat Party's tech lab, to enable citizens to report abnormal price hikes. This digital tool aims to pinpoint crisis areas and provide valuable data for governmental and public use. The platform will act as a price reporting map and an early warning system for unusual price increases and hoarding.
To utilize the platform, users can add the Democrat Party's official LINE account and provide details such as location, product name, unit of sale, price, price change, and attach an image. The initial system version, complete with a smart map dashboard, will be integrated with the party's Line OA for easier public access. A detailed system test is scheduled for tomorrow before the official launch.
Ms. Kardee emphasized that data from the platform will guide targeted support policies for low-income groups, SME entrepreneurs, and farmers. The Democrat Party aims to open the API system for government agencies to develop tailored price control measures, promoting transparency and public participation.
Mr. Korn further elaborated on the fuel delivery reduction, noting that gas station operators cannot explain the shortage to the public, as fuel purchases are capped at 500 baht per person. He criticized the Ministry of Energy for failing to provide explanations and called for transparency in the hoarding cases reported in Ang Thong and Mae Sot provinces.
While acknowledging the global nature of the energy crisis, Mr. Korn highlighted the unique turmoil within Thailand, indicating potential mismanagement. He refrained from concluding on government failure but noted public dissatisfaction with the administration's communication methods regarding the energy shortages.
The Democrat Party has submitted an urgent motion for parliamentary debate on the energy crisis and its impact on the public, hoping for tangible benefits on Wednesday, March 25th. In response to the "masked person" investigation in Ang Thong, Mr. Korn urged the government to trace oil distribution transparently, suspecting concealed information. He stressed the importance of transparency, management, and accurate communication to ease public concerns.