Power play: Thailand plugs into cutting electricity costs

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

The Government of Thailand is actively exploring methods to reduce electricity costs, as suggested by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

 

Responding to Thaksin’s remarks, the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Pichai noted that Thaksin had assured voters in Chiang Rai of the government’s intention to decrease energy prices to as low as 3.70 baht per unit later this year.

 

Pichai, who also serves as the Finance Minister, stated yesterday, January 8, that the estimated household electricity price from this month until April is 4.15 baht per unit. The government is tasked with finding ways to lower electricity prices to well below 4 baht per unit as part of its policy to alleviate the high living costs faced by residents.

 

However, Pichai mentioned that the specific details regarding this initiative have not yet been discussed, so further comments cannot be made at this point. He also stated that it is uncertain whether tax measures will be employed to reduce electricity costs.

 

 

The deputy PM emphasised that financial support from the government is not the sole method for reducing electricity prices. There is speculation that the Ministry of Finance might consider reducing the petroleum tax to lower gas prices in the Gulf of Thailand, which serves as a source of energy for electricity generation. However, Pichai said the ministry has not yet reviewed the specifics of such a tax measure.

 

“I can only confirm the government has a policy to take care of the people as we have a goal to reduce the electricity price to less than 4 baht.”

 

Following Thaksin’s suggestion for a lower electricity price, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra remarked on Tuesday, January 7, that reducing the price to 3.70 baht is feasible and emphasised it as a government priority, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2025-01-09

 

 

[JoePai]

Please wait until the hot season

[PremiumLane]

Did I get this wrong, but wasn't Thaksin banned from politics? If so, why is he over every new story that is concerned with the government?