“14 civil society groups” Urge government to lower energy costs-Scrap fuel taxes

Today (March 23, 2026),at 11:00 a.m., 14 civil society organizations reaffirmed their calls on the government to lower electricity prices, eliminate fuel taxes, and address rising living costs. They urged the government to take steps to address the rising cost of living and to evaluate all contracts with electrical companies.

Led by Mr. Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, The group consisted of the 24 June Democracy Group, Nonthri Progressive Group, Kasetsart Liberal Group, FemTonsai Group, Ramkhamhaeng Network for Democracy, Sratthatham Party, Ramkhamhaeng University Student Council, and different worker unions.

The three urgent issue calls for:

1. Remove the fuel excise tax, lower refining margins, and freeze the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic usage. This will assist to lower fuel prices by up to 11 baht per liter.

2. Reduce power tariffs from the present 4.18 baht per unit to 3 baht per unit, as previously stated.

3. Control consumer goods pricing to avoid opportunistic increases in prices during the crisis.

SAP NEWS has chance to talk with Mr. Sukolawat Thanasirikulapong, Secretary-General of the Student Council at Ramkhamhaeng University and representative of student organizations, regarding the high cost of electricity, fuel, and cooking gas, while wages remain the same, he urged the new government to acknowledge that while the current crisis may be caused by factors beyond their control, they should be sincere with the people and fulfill their campaign promises, prioritizing the people over capitalist.

A representative from a labor union argued for lower refining, fuel, and electricity costs, as well as the elimination of fuel excise charges. They stressed the importance of better controlling fuel prices to lessen the strain on workers, particularly those who rely on fuel on a daily basis for work and face rising costs while their salaries fall as a result of the government's inefficient management of the situation.

Mr. Pisut Samutkhota, a rider union representative, claimed that they want the government to assure adequate fuel supply but not to hoard it, citing current reserves.   He calls the need to address the challenges of low earnings and high fuel prices for riders.

“I want PM Anutin to know that the round-trip wage has been cut rather than enhanced. We previously contacted the company, and they reduced the round-trip wage. When we appealed to the government, they said we were not part of the regular labor and hence couldn't do anything," Mr. Phisut stated.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong