- Thai Energy Ministry announces plan to reduce electricity tariffs by 11 satangs per unit, lowering rates to 3.99 Baht per Unit.
- Prime Minister Srettha unveils initiatives to alleviate the economic burden, including support for motorists and exploration of petrol price reductions.
The Thai Energy Ministry has unveiled plans to lower electricity tariffs by an additional 11 satang per unit, as government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced recently. During a meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga revealed this proposal, indicating that the existing rate of 4.10 baht per unit would be reduced to 3.99 baht. Last month, the Cabinet had already approved a reduction in electricity prices from 4.45 baht per unit to 4.10 baht, which took effect in the current billing cycle. This decision came in response to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive to find ways to urgently reduce energy costs and electricity bills.
While the specifics of this latest plan have not been fully disclosed, Chai confirmed that it did not result directly from a Cabinet resolution. Instead, the energy minister discussed the potential rate cut with the Energy Regulatory Commission and determined that lowering it to 3.99 baht per unit was feasible starting from the current billing cycle.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Srettha announced additional measures to ease the economic burden on the public during a recent meeting. Upcoming discussions will focus on supporting individuals facing difficulties with car instalment payments. In a segment called “Future Perfect” at the Thairath Forum 2023, the prime minister assured the public that the government is actively exploring more ways to reduce the cost of living. He specifically mentioned that he had instructed relevant government departments to explore options for reducing petrol prices, especially for low-income earners. It’s worth noting that the current electricity price has already been successfully lowered to 4.19 baht per unit, slightly below the 4.25 baht initially requested by industries. The prime minister hoped the government could reduce it to less than 4 baht per unit. Regarding the government’s upcoming 10,000-baht digital wallet policy, the prime minister reiterated that it is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of the next year. More clarity on the funding sources for this scheme, a selection promise from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, is expected to be provided within the next ten days. The digital wallet scheme is anticipated to require a substantial budget of