People’s Party urges urgent action on energy crisis, highlights oil shortage issues

2026-03-19 - 05:10

BANGKOK — 19 March 2026, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the People’s Party, said the party is preparing to submit an urgent motion to parliament to address the ongoing energy crisis, expressing hope the majority will allow space for discussion and public concerns to be raised. Speaking at Parliament at 09:35, Natthaphong responded to criticism that the opposition had not been sufficiently active in scrutinising the energy crisis and rising oil prices. He said the formal opposition has not yet begun its role, as a prime minister has not been voted in. However, in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, discussions are already under way to propose an urgent verbal motion for debate in today’s parliamentary session to seek solutions. He said he believes the majority or government side will allow the opposition to present views and recommendations to the caretaker government. Natthaphong stressed that, alongside rising oil prices, the more pressing concern is the apparent shortage of refined fuel. He noted that the government has yet to clearly explain where supplies have gone or who may be responsible for stockpiling. He added that the government is expected to meet with private-sector operators across the supply chain later today, and said the quickest way to restore public confidence is through transparent disclosure of information. Since the crisis began, the People’s Party has deployed its MPs and representatives to survey fuel prices and shortages in various areas, as well as rising costs of essential goods. These findings will be compiled and presented in parliament. “If the government allows space in the House, we are ready to submit recommendations to the caretaker government to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” he said. Addressing criticism that the party has gone easy on the Bhumjaithai Party, Natthaphong denied any leniency. He said today’s debate on the prime ministerial vote is expected to include discussion of the candidate’s qualifications, with MPs from multiple parties likely to speak. He noted, however, that the session is not a no-confidence debate, and that remarks must remain within the proper parliamentary framework, while reaffirming that scrutiny can be carried out fully in all appropriate forums.