Bangkok:The community solar power sector is experiencing significant upheaval following revelations from Mr. Suphachot Chaiyasat, a party-list MP from the People's Party. He has exposed alleged irregularities within the People's Solar Project, claiming that the initiative, intended to offer citizens freedom of choice in selecting solar cell installers, is being monopolized by large corporations, leaving small private companies sidelined.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suphachot highlighted that the government's solar project, which was announced with the promise of energy liberalization and no quotas for specific companies, may not be as transparent as it appears. An investigation into the list of qualified companies revealed that over 60 companies shared the same addresses, and directors with identical names were listed across more than 120 companies, suggesting a strategic manipulation of the selection process.
The report further indicates that figures from Matichon show that 60-70% of small companies have withdrawn from the project. This withdrawal leaves only about 30% of companies still participating, potentially including those with overlapping shareholdings or related ownership. This situation points to either inadequate screening procedures or a possible deliberate attempt to favor specific private companies, as the selection process seems to be designed to create multiple identities for entities involved.
The allegations and findings call into question the integrity of the project and whether true energy liberalization can be achieved under the current system.