“Tae Mongkolkit” clarifies space policy, Says it’s not unrealistic as many countries have done it

Today (April 20, 2026) at 9:20 AM, at the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), Mr. Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, the head of the Kao Laam Party, explained his space business policy following accusations that it was overstated. His old party, the New Alternative Party, had already explained its plans to the ECT before the Songkran festival. According to Mr. Mongkolkit, the ECT has called him to provide clarification on two matters. His old party, the New Alternative Party, received criticism throughout the election over its policies. A fine of 10,000 baht per day resulted from the late submission of 32 policies after the first 12 were filed on schedule.

The objections are over the space policy, which is considered impractical and may contravene Sections 72 and 73 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament, as well as a proposed change to the law that would allow women to have no more than four husbands. Today, he will begin by clarifying the space policy. He is unaware whether any complaints over the dinosaur policy have been submitted. He will handle each matter separately. Mr. Mongkolkit remarked that space policy is not a new concept, as Thailand already has plans to enhance its space capabilities. He cited an interview with Professor Anek Laothamatas from the cabinet of then-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, in which he declared that Thailand would be the fifth Asian country to send a spacecraft into lunar orbit within seven years. Following this, plans for space economic development were launched, including satellite building for domestic use. He said that these objectives were not unrealistic, given several countries had already made great progress in space development.

Mongkolkit also stated that he would discuss the matter with the ECT today since he did not want the country to fall behind. As a result, political leaders must propose forward-thinking policies that benefit Thais while not abandoning the grassroots. Regarding the policy permitting women to have four husbands, Mr. Mongkolkit noted that he will explain it to the ECT again and has discussed with legal counsel the requirement for a list of 20 names. The legal team of MPs will draft the modification to the Civil and Commercial Code.

"Regarding policies that are impossible or unrealistic, as seen in many parties, such as the Bhumjaithai Party; they campaigned by claiming that if they got to govern the country for just over two months, people would become extremely wealthy. If they governed for four years, they would have a lot of money. He questioned, 'Is it actually true?' It is not. They also claimed Thailand would be free of poverty and corruption. Can they actually fix that? Can they resolve corruption? They cannot. Those political parties, once in power, have shown themselves incapable of doing so," Mr. Mongkolkit stated.

He further said, "If they are going to prosecute me for making inflated policy promises, they must first allow me to serve in government and demonstrate what I am capable of. However, the ECT should prosecute political parties that campaigned but failed to deliver on policies filed to the Commission between 2019 and 2023. They must prosecute all parties. If they do not, they will be in violation of Section 157, which punishes neglect of duty. But if the Election Commission allows others to go, they must also let me go." Regarding the Senate's Economic and Social Committee meeting and the Senator from Phetchaburi's request to modify the law to raise the fuel tax from 7% to 10%, he is firmly opposed. It would increase the burden on Thailand's 65 million people. "I urge them not to submit this amendment because the government lacks money and is considering borrowing to subsidize fuel prices. Instead of raising the burden on the public, the government should look for alternative sources of income."

Finally, Mr. Mongkolkit addressed Mr. Rachen Trakulwiang, a list MP from the New Alternative Party, saying that because he has only been an MP for less than a month, if he wants to benefit the people, he should first whisper to the Prime Minister not to raise the fuel price. He should then ask the members of the New Alternative Party and the voters who elected him if they want him to tell the Prime Minister not to raise taxes. If taxes are raised, Mr. Mongkolkit will resign from the administration.

Furthermore, he stated that there is no need to borrow money for fuel; the most straightforward solution is to purchase the Bangchak Sriracha refinery for slightly more than 50 billion baht, which would lessen the power dynamic between refineries. As a result, the actual price of oil is low, usually between 33 and 35 baht including tax. The only additions are refining costs and pricingต์ adjustments based on Singapore prices.

Mr. Mongkolkit also stated that some political figures own positions in refineries, but he could not reveal their identities. He also recommended Mr. Rachen and other smaller parties to oppose anything that does not benefit the public, rather than simply accepting orders based on government affiliation. They should speak out, especially since Mr. Rachen obtained his votes from the people without bribery; hence, he should work for their benefit.

Photo : Punyaphon Rakcharoen