Bangkok: In a heated session of the House of Representatives, Mr. Woraphop Wiriyaroj, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, demanded answers from the Prime Minister regarding the escalating electricity prices. Woraphop accused the government of engaging in policy corruption and implementing an opaque process in a 3,600-megawatt renewable electricity purchase, which he claims benefits energy capital groups linked to the Prime Minister’s circles.

According to Thai News Agency, Woraphop outlined allegations against the Prime Minister, accusing him of deceiving the public with inflated electricity bills and engaging in corrupt practices. He emphasized that the government’s continuation of the renewable electricity purchase, initially delayed for three months, aims to extract 100 billion baht from the public under the guise of forming a cross-party government.

Woraphop criticized the fixed pricing approach for the renewable electricity purchase, noting that it lacks competitive bidding. He argued that the predetermined purchase price does not account for technological advancements, potentially imposing an additional 100 billion baht burden on consumers. He cited an example where solar electricity costs, confirmed at 1.8 baht per unit, are being purchased at 2.2 baht per unit, leading to higher electricity bills.

The MP further questioned the overlap of this purchase with a previously approved 2,000-megawatt clean electricity liberalization initiative, highlighting concerns over exceeding national electricity demand. Woraphop expressed concern about favoritism towards established private companies, hindering opportunities for new entrepreneurs in the energy sector.

He also criticized the lack of transparency in the selection process for private companies involved in the purchase, pointing to a potential bias towards companies with connections to the Prime Minister’s family. Woraphop called for the cancellation of the renewable electricity purchase project and emphasized the need to liberalize clean energy initiatives.

Despite previous opposition from the Pheu Thai Party and a suspension order from the Administrative Court, Woraphop noted that the project has persisted, suggesting favoritism towards energy capitalists, leading to economic inequality in Thailand. He urged the government to reconsider its stance and prioritize transparent and fair energy policies.