Deputy Interior Minister Clarifies Chiang Mai Household Solar Pricing Discrepancy of 110,000 Baht, Orders Urgent Probe Within 2 Days, Insists No Favoritism Toward Big Firms

Today (3 November 2026) at 10:00 AM at the Monthathip Hall International Convention Centre in Udon Thani Province, Deputy Minister of Interior Phonphee Suwanchawee addressed the household solar project issue regarding the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Chiang Mai branch listing a price of 110,000 Baht. He stated he did not understand why that figure was listed, as both the Prime Minister and he have consistently announced a standard appraised price of 140,000 Baht set by the PEA and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to guarantee standardized solar panels and equipment for citizens.

He explained that whether vendors offer lower or higher prices is up to them and the consumers' choice. He urged the media and the public to view the electricity authority as a one-stop-service or convenience store, where vendors are products on shelves and citizens can freely choose the service provider they prefer.

“There are no criteria for trade barriers, and I categorically confirm that there is no trade discrimination or favoritism toward major players. Smaller companies capable of installing for 10 households should complete those 10 first before moving to the 11th. Accepting 1,000 jobs with a workforce of only 100 would be unfair to the public, who wouldn't know how long they must wait or whether engineers can provide proper oversight,” Phonphee said.

Phonphee added that he instructed the electricity authority to evaluate how many home installations each company can handle. Addressing concerns that smaller firms cannot compete with major players in providing bank guarantees, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas noted that special low-interest loans are available. Providers do not need 50,000 Baht in cash; instead, they can utilize state bank guarantee services for a fee of just 500 Baht per household annually. Regardless of size, service providers can proceed according to their capacity, provided they market themselves to win customer choice.

Regarding instances where citizens ask the electricity authority to choose a provider for them, Phonphee instructed officials to present a complete list of local providers along with company profiles, leaving the choice entirely to the public to ensure transparency.

Addressing the document from PEA Chiang Mai branch, Phonphee noted it was an internal document unapproved by headquarters, which has now been submitted for review. The PEA has established a fact-finding committee to investigate. If wrongdoing is found or if unauthorized negotiations occurred with certain Northern vendors to offer prices below the reference rate, legal and regulatory actions will follow based on PEA rules.

While unsure if the matter indicates corruption, Phonphee reiterated he wants clarification on why that specific figure was used. He expects findings from the investigative committee within 2 days rather than 7–15 days, noting official documentation is required before taking formal action, while expressing thanks to those who flagged the anomaly.

Regarding the 7-day inspection timeline by the electricity authority, Phonphee confirmed it is achievable. He clarified that the authority's role is not installation, but inspecting and replacing meters with smart meters to monitor two-way power flow, preventing voltage drops that could damage household appliances or EV charging equipment.

Addressing reports of irregularities involving over 60 companies sharing identical addresses and over 120 companies with cross-shareholding or overlapping executives, Phonphee stated he will coordinate with the Comptroller General’s Department and the Ministry of Commerce to check for illegal registration, nominee structures, or regulatory violations.

Furthermore, Phonphee highlighted the importance of a 7-year warranty for citizens, ensuring solar panels remain functional and damage-free throughout the 7-year bank loan repayment period.

“I am begging you today—let us take care of the public. If you ask us to draft projects favoring private entities, we don't know how to do that. But if it's drafting projects to support and empower all 67 million citizens, that is our strength. Please let us prioritize the people first,” Phonphee concluded.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong