Bangkok: Sukhum points out that the government has had a strong start after lowering refinery prices and freezing transportation fares during Songkran. He assesses that the political base remains strong.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Sukhum Nuansakul, former Rector of Ramkhamhaeng University, gave an interview analyzing the Thai political situation amidst the global energy crisis. He assessed that the current government has made a remarkable debut immediately after taking office, as it has been able to demonstrate tangible results.
A key measure reflecting these achievements is the reduction in ex-refinery fuel prices, a crucial mechanism for lowering energy costs during periods of high living expenses. Simultaneously, the freeze on public transportation fares during the Songkran festival helped alleviate the financial burden on large numbers of people traveling.
Associate Professor Sukhum stated that this approach is a positive sign for the country's administration in its initial stages and helps build confidence in the government's performance to some extent, especially in a situation where the global economy and energy prices remain highly volatile.
However, the progress of these key initiatives still needs to be monitored, particularly the investigation into and handling of oil hoarding, a factor that could impact the pricing structure and fairness in the energy market.
Regarding the previous issues of fuel shortages at gas stations and high fuel prices, and whether this constitutes a government crisis, Associate Professor Sukhum believes that the problem is occurring globally and the government is not yet in a crisis. This is because it has a relatively strong support base and political stability, with over 190 MPs in parliament. However, complacency is not advised, as the oversight bodies are still performing their duties rigorously, and public sentiment is a key indicator in a democracy. Therefore, ministers in each ministry need to urgently demonstrate tangible results to the public.
"After the policy statement and the full exercise of power, all ministers must work quickly against time to prove their capabilities, not just in terms of image, but with tangible results that the public can see. This is especially an opportunity for those 'privileged' ministers to prove their worth, to show that they can work, and work well, and that they weren't appointed ministers because of the influence of senior figures," Assoc. Prof. Sukhum said.
Associate Professor Sukhum also stated that he would like to offer his support to the government, because if the government can maintain its direction in its work and consistently produce tangible results, it will directly benefit the people and help boost confidence in the country's administration in the future.