Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has dismissed rumors that Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga will be removed in the next cabinet reshuffle. Thaksin, who is widely regarded as the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai Party, assured the public that there are no issues between him and Pirapan, reaffirming that the minister’s position is safe despite growing speculation.
Thaksin stated, “Bringing down electricity prices might seem challenging, but it is possible. In fact, I want to bring the price even further down to 3.5 baht per unit.” This goal comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce the financial burden on households, with electricity cost reduction being a major issue for Thai citizens, especially in light of rising living costs.
However, Pirapan has faced resistance in the past, particularly from members of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, who were opposed to his previous attempts to reduce energy prices. Some energy industry leaders, who also serve as party financiers, were reportedly displeased with Pirapan’s push for lower prices.
Unlike previous attempts, however, Pirapan’s current efforts to cut energy costs are being met with positive reception from the public. This newfound popularity has helped boost the Pheu Thai Party’s reputation, as the reduction in energy bills remains a key concern for voters.
Political Support for Pirapan
Pirapan, also a deputy prime minister, has strong ties to former Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is now a privy councillor. In the last general election, the UTN nominated Gen Prayut as its prime ministerial candidate. Despite these ties, Pirapan has worked closely with the current Pheu Thai government. He has firmly denied any political rift with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra or Srettha Thavisin, stating that both leaders fully support his efforts to cut energy prices.
In a recent Facebook post, Pirapan dismissed media reports suggesting a conflict between him and the government, pointing out that the reports were false. He reiterated that both Paetongtarn and Srettha have been supportive of his work, which aligns with government policy. Pirapan also mentioned that Paetongtarn is committed to tackling monopolies, which further aligns with his stance on reducing energy costs.
Concerns Over Potential Cabinet Changes
Despite the support Pirapan has from key government figures, rumors continue to swirl about possible cabinet reshuffles. Akanat Promphan, a UTN secretary-general and close ally of Pirapan, also took to social media to display solidarity, posting a picture with Pirapan to emphasize their unity within the government.
A source close to the government confirmed that there is no conflict between Pirapan, Akanat, and the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The UTN leader and secretary-general remain firmly in place with no plans for removal. According to this source, both Pirapan and Akanat are still seen as strong representatives of the former Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Earlier, Jatuporn Prompan, a former Red Shirt leader, suggested that Pirapan might face difficulties in the future due to a lack of unity within the UTN. He raised questions about whether the government could withstand political pressures, especially as efforts to dismantle monopolies and reduce the influence of powerful business figures continue to face significant hurdles.
The Future of Energy Policy and Thai Politics
As Thailand continues to tackle the rising cost of living, including the key issue of electricity prices, Pirapan’s position remains crucial to the government’s energy policy. His efforts to reduce energy costs, which has earned him public support, are in line with the broader goals of the Pheu Thai Party to provide relief to everyday Thai citizens.
However, political challenges remain. The government’s ambitious policy to dismantle monopolies and regulate powerful industries will be closely watched in the months ahead. It remains to be seen how these political dynamics unfold as Thailand navigates these key issues.
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