Bangkok: Mr. Pichai Rattadilok Na Phuket, Director of the Political Science Program at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), has openly criticized the handling of the current energy crisis, or "Energy Shock," that is significantly impacting Thai society.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai expressed his views on Facebook, highlighting the disconnect between the government's rhetoric and the reality faced by ordinary citizens. He pointed out that the leadership's narrative, which accuses the populace of hoarding oil, merely reflects a denial of responsibility. This rhetoric, Mr. Pichai argues, is a strategic diversion from the inefficiencies within state oversight mechanisms, effectively scapegoating the public.

He emphasized that branding citizens as the "cause of the crisis" for stockpiling oil to cope with rising costs is a form of bullying, turning victims into accused parties. Mr. Pichai believes that true leadership should absorb crises rather than deflect them back onto the people. The recent increase in oil usage to 84 million liters per day, he notes, is evidence of shattered trust in the government's ability to manage the supply chain effectively.

The government's response, which has been characterized by complaints and public blame, underscores a lack of proactive measures such as inspecting large oil storage facilities or developing strategic energy reserves. Mr. Pichai criticized this approach as indicative of "hollow leadership" and an "emptiness of responsibility," warning that this failure to address root problems will lead to a persistent leadership crisis.

He also questioned the government's assurances regarding the purity of oil capitalists' assets, suggesting that it reflects a preference for protecting economic power over the welfare of the people. This stance, Mr. Pichai argues, betrays the public's trust and exposes the people's fears, marking a significant breach in the state-citizen relationship.

Mr. Pichai concluded by stating that while the energy crisis might eventually resolve, the underlying leadership crisis, fueled by irresponsibility and public blame, will continue to fester, potentially leading to future social unrest.