BANGKOK, THAILAND – Democrat politician Chaiyanat Dechdecho called on the Thai government to act quickly against rising oil prices, proposing three steps he said could cut pump prices by about 10 baht per liter.
Politician calls for rapid intervention
Recently, Chaiyanat Dechdecho, party-list MP and deputy leader of the Democrat Party, commented on the latest developments in fuel prices. He urged the government to adopt immediate measures to ease the cost of living for the population.
According to his remarks, swift policy decisions were needed to cushion households from higher energy expenses. He framed the issue as a burden on everyday life that required urgent attention from those in power.
Three proposals to cut around 10 baht per liter
Chaiyanat outlined three specific approaches that, by his calculation, could reduce the oil price by about 10 baht per liter. The proposals focused mainly on tax relief and reductions in levies imposed on fuel.
He argued that a targeted package combining national tax cuts and local cooperation would bring noticeable relief at the pump. This, he suggested, would be a more direct way to support the public than relying on explanations tied to international events.
Windfall tax reduction: 3 baht per liter
As a first step, he called for a cut to the so‑called windfall tax on fuel of 3 baht per liter. The reduction in this charge was intended to absorb part of the price pressure through a lighter tax burden.
Chaiyanat presented this element as an immediate lever the government could pull to trim fuel costs. He indicated that lowering this specific tax would directly filter through to consumers.
Suspension of excise tax: 6 baht per liter
Second, Chaiyanat demanded the suspension of the excise tax on oil, currently set at 6 baht per liter. By his estimate, this would be the largest single component in the proposed relief package.
He suggested that putting this tax on hold would significantly reduce pump prices in one stroke. In his view, this measure would send a strong signal that the government was prioritizing household budgets.
Provincial administrations urged to halt extra levy
Third, he asked provincial administrations (OrBorJor) nationwide to cooperate by no longer collecting an additional levy of 0.69 baht per liter. He said this local charge, though small, still added to the overall burden on consumers.
Combined with the two tax measures at national level, the removal of this provincial levy would, by his calculation, produce the overall relief of roughly 10 baht per liter. Chaiyanat presented the package as a coordinated effort between central and local authorities.
Expected impact on households and the economy
If the government implemented these steps, Chaiyanat believed people’s expenses would fall noticeably. Lower energy costs would, in his assessment, ease pressure on household budgets across the country.
He also expected positive effects on the wider economy, arguing that cheaper fuel influenced many aspects of daily life and production. He linked reduced energy prices to potential improvements in business costs and consumer spending.
Criticism of focus on wars abroad
Chaiyanat also urged the government not to explain fuel price movements too heavily by referring to wars overseas. He stressed that domestic political and administrative tools were available to provide effective support.
“He emphasized that there were political and administrative instruments within the country to support the population effectively.”
said Thairath, citing his remarks.