Bangkok: "Weerayuth" advises the government to change three approaches to resolve the oil crisis: transparent operations, tiered subsidies, and distributing coupons to help farmers. Today, Mr. Veerayut Kanchuchat, Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament of the People's Party, presented an urgent oral motion on "The Oil Crisis" at the Parliament, aiming to gather suggestions for the government to address and alleviate the ongoing issues impacting the Thai populace.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Veerayuth emphasized the critical role of oil as the "main artery" of the Thai economy, vital for the livelihoods of many, including delivery riders, drivers, vendors, and farmers. With over 60% of Thailand's oil imported from the Middle East, the ongoing conflict there disrupts this economic lifeline, necessitating a strategic shift in leadership and crisis management.

Veerayuth proposed three key changes for government action. First, a shift from closed to open crisis management is essential. The operations of the "Center for Monitoring and Managing the Conflict in the Middle East," led by Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, have been criticized for being insular, engaging primarily with large businesses, while neglecting smaller stakeholders like farmers and transportation groups. This exclusion has bred distrust and panic, exacerbated by inadequate public communication about oil reserves and availability.

Second, Veerayuth suggested moving from price freezes to tiered and targeted subsidies. The recent announcement to "freeze prices" for 15 days led to excessive demand and supply disruptions. Instead, a tiered subsidy framework, reflecting global oil price fluctuations, could prevent sudden price hikes. Additionally, targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups, coordinated through various agencies, could alleviate the crisis's impact on low-income individuals, farmers, and fishermen.

Lastly, Veerayuth criticized the "Green Flag Fertilizer" project for its limited reach, benefiting only 0.1% of farmers. He advocated for comprehensive supply chain management and widespread coupon distribution to support farmers effectively. By monitoring fair pricing and distributing fertilizer coupons based on a well-maintained farmer database, the government could better assist the agricultural sector during this crisis.

In conclusion, Veerayuth urged the government to adopt these three strategic changes to navigate the oil crisis effectively, emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and public engagement. He called on the People's Party to amplify the voices of those still suffering, including farmers, fishermen, and transportation workers, to ensure their concerns are addressed in government policies.