Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva has dismissed the government's announcement to reduce refining costs as misleading, asserting that it fails to address the root causes of the issue. He criticized the move to shift the financial burden onto the oil fund and temporarily reduce gas station prices after initial public backlash. He reiterated his stance against borrowing, emphasizing that there is no need for it.
According to Thai News Agency, Abhisit, a Member of Parliament from the Democrat Party, commented on the political landscape following the Constitutional Court's decision to review the Emergency Decree on Borrowing. He is actively working to scrutinize the government's economic management strategies, highlighting differing opinions on the borrowing decree. Abhisit is hopeful that the government will consider his perspectives more seriously, especially since the Prime Minister justified borrowing as a necessity for the people's welfare, though acknowledging that the process would be time-consuming.
Abhisit insists that the government should lower oil prices immediately, a stance that the Finance Minister refutes despite acknowledging that such a move would incur minimal financial loss. The Energy Ministry had previously pledged to address high refining margins and eliminate reliance on Singaporean oil prices. However, due to insufficient public scrutiny, these measures have not been implemented. Instead, the government continues to manipulate pump prices, increasing the burden on the oil fund, which will eventually affect consumers. This approach contradicts the government's earlier promise to reform the system and reduce financial strain, resulting in only temporary relief and creating future debt.
Abhisit also addressed the upcoming review of the land bridge project, arguing that its massive budget could be better utilized. He suggested that the funds could enhance infrastructure in the South, including motorways, railways, and port development, at a lower cost. These proposals aim to influence government priorities and ensure efficient use of resources.
On the government's claim of borrowing due to inability to transfer budget funds, Abhisit highlighted existing issues in some ministries identified by new ministers. The Democrat Party plans to hold a press conference to discuss tools for investigating budget irregularities, particularly in projects involving artificial intelligence.
Despite the People's Party's proposal for a special committee to assess the borrowing decree, the Speaker of the House of Representatives decided against it, citing lack of urgency. Abhisit commented that clarity is needed on whether the government has borrowed the funds, suggesting that the matter should be addressed once confirmed.
Assessing the political situation amid actions by influential figures from different camps, Abhisit emphasized that the core issue is the government's ability to solve the people's problems. He warned against hidden agendas and urged careful reflection on historical lessons regarding power abuse.
In response to observations about the "blue regime" dominating Thailand, Abhisit advised against hasty conclusions, stressing that power grabs historically lead to negative outcomes.