Bangkok: The Prime Minister has acknowledged the controversy surrounding hidden charges for streetlights in public bills and has directed the Minister of Energy, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to delve into the matter. The Prime Minister stressed that the public should not shoulder this burden.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed his instructions to investigate the inclusion of streetlight charges in citizens' electricity bills. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into when and how these charges were applied and insisted that the public should not be responsible for these costs. Anutin pointed out that a regular budget should cover such expenses, following Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn's remark that the Ministry of Transport would incur over 10 billion baht if it bore the expenses. Anutin reiterated that action would be taken if the investigation confirmed that citizens were unjustly paying these fees.
Anutin addressed queries about whether this was an order from a higher authority. He clarified that the investigation stemmed from suspicions regarding the financial claims of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority. While he was previously in charge of the Ministry of Interior, not the Ministry of Transport, he questioned the authorities' claims of bearing public electricity costs while making profits. Now, as the head of government, Anutin has tasked Energy Minister Ekanat Promphan with investigating the matter. He emphasized that charging the public higher electricity rates, if unjustified, would be unacceptable and require immediate rectification.
Concerning whether the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) would ultimately bear the expenses, Anutin noted that public funds were not indicated as being used for these costs. Anutin mentioned that this practice might have been in place for 30-40 years. However, if EGAT is not to pay in the future, and the Department of Highways assumes responsibility, a budget allocation will be necessary. Anutin emphasized the need to examine the facts before making decisions, insisting that the government should not pass this issue onto the public.
When further questioned about Energy Minister Ekanat Promphan's statements, Anutin indicated that Ekanat spoke based on instructions received. Regarding potential measures to alleviate the burden on citizens, Anutin stated that current issues should be addressed first, emphasizing the government's mission to develop the country, foster economic growth, and care for the people.
Anutin also revealed that the draft Budget Act for fiscal year 2027 has passed the Cabinet, paving the way for a 72-member Budget Committee to be appointed. He expressed readiness for the debate on the draft budget bill and emphasized the importance of presenting facts amidst scrutiny from the opposition.
Regarding public evaluation of the Prime Minister's performance, Anutin highlighted that election results reflect the public's judgment of the Prime Minister's KPIs. He affirmed his commitment to doing his best without explicitly stating confidence in completing a full four-year term.