BANGKOK, THAILAND – Opposition lawmaker Isariya Paireephairit sharply criticized Prime Minister Anutin’s government for mentioning support for vulnerable groups in only a single line of its policy paper.
Criticism of policy paper: “Only one line”
On 9 April 2026, Isariya Paireephairit, a party-list MP from the People’s Party (Prachachon), said the government’s policy statement on assistance for vulnerable population groups was disappointingly brief.
According to him, the planned support was mentioned only in one line, without specifying when any measures would start or how they would be implemented.
Accusation of wrong priorities in a crisis
Isariya questioned whether the government attached only this level of importance to what he called the “crisis of the population.”
“Does the government really give the ‘crisis of the population’ only this amount of importance?”
said Isariya, arguing that there were still no clear, concrete relief measures.
He maintained that, in his view, the administration under Prime Minister Anutin had yet to present a credible plan to ease the burden on those most affected by high living and energy costs.
Comparison with Japan, South Korea and Singapore
As a contrast, Isariya cited Japan, which he said had launched a package of cash assistance for low-income people and support for fuel costs.
He added that South Korea had paid out money to cushion living expenses, while Singapore had provided support for taxi drivers and delivery riders.
“Other countries in Asia, including developed economies, have already put in place concrete and targeted measures,”
said Isariya, arguing that Thailand was falling behind in regional responses.
Philippines and Vietnam as further examples
Isariya also pointed to the Philippines, where, according to him, a four-day work week had been announced alongside additional cash payments.
He said Vietnam had reduced its oil tax and likewise distributed financial assistance.
“From the Philippines to Vietnam, governments are acting with specific tools – from shorter work weeks to tax cuts and direct payments,”
said the MP, calling for similarly concrete steps in Thailand.
Cambodia as contrast: oil tax at 0 percent
Most pointedly, Isariya referred to Cambodia, where, he said, the oil tax had been cut to 0 percent since 21 March.
He added that there were also additional payouts to “vulnerable” or particularly affected labor groups in that country.
“Cambodia has reduced the oil tax to zero and is still making extra payments to vulnerable workers,”
said Isariya, describing it as a striking contrast to the situation in Thailand.
Jab at Anutin over meeting with Hun Manet
Isariya said he wondered whether Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul would feel ashamed at his next meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
“Will Prime Minister Anutin not be ashamed when he next meets Prime Minister Hun Manet, when Cambodia is managing the oil crisis better than Thailand?”
said Isariya, arguing that Thailand still lacked clear relief measures while its neighbor had already acted.