Transcription
A moment, please. >> Wood. >> Excuse me. >> Okay, hello to the viewers at home. Are you here yet? Please comment. If you are here, today we are waiting to hear the People's Party's statement of concerns regarding the Anutin government's policies. It is exactly 2:30 PM on April 11, 2026. Okay, for those who have arrived, please comment. A moment, please. Okay. >> Okay, hello. Have you arrived yet? Is the picture clear? Is the sound clear? Please comment. >> We are ready. >> Okay. >> Hello. Today, we want to express our opinions on the government's recent special cabinet meeting and the measures announced to help vulnerable groups to alleviate the immediate suffering of the people from this oil crisis. We must say this is something the people have been waiting for a long time, and they have expected this for several weeks. Finally, it has been released. Overall, the announced measures state a total budget of 7.7 billion baht. We must say that upon reviewing the details, we found that there are still many people who are not covered and have been left out. Regarding the budget itself, we must inform you that if you look into the details, you will find that only about 3 billion baht is allocated for immediate relief, which is the additional amount. The remaining 4.7 billion baht is used to manage budgets that were not originally planned and are necessary to pay the holders of state welfare cards from the remaining budget. Therefore, the budget that is considered an additional amount specifically for direct relief in the current difficult situation is only about 3 billion baht, which may still be too little and not comprehensive enough. There are still groups that have been left out. For example, at the sectoral level, as we have discussed many times, we are concerned about our fishing brothers who cannot go out to fish now because the fuel cost is very high, and they have decided it is not worth going out to fish, leading to a shortage of seafood. We have not yet seen any relief measures to help fishermen. This includes upstream groups for many products, such as plastic pellets. There are no details yet on how they will be helped because it is a long supply chain that extends to packaging, colors, construction, and more. These two groups have not yet received any measures that we have seen today. Meanwhile, if we look at the measures to help all groups, we must say that the most detailed measures are for government contractors in the construction sector. If you look at the Ministry of Finance, you will see measures that are very targeted and generous from the government. For example, it is stated that government contractors can amend their contracts and adjust figures. The budget for calculating diesel fuel costs has been increased to 69.9999, or approximately 70 baht. This is considered generous. They can also cancel contracts without penalty and even receive their security deposit back upon cancellation. Therefore, if you look at the details, you will see that there is special detail in helping government construction concessionaires. We want to see the same level of detail and attention given to other groups, which would be beneficial to other vulnerable groups. At the same time, in addition to this, there is the issue of the agricultural sector, which we have been continuously following, and the overall budget. We will invite Professor Decharat to explain the problems we believe the policies to help the agricultural sector do not cover sufficiently. Professor Decharat, please. >> Yes, let's start with the agricultural sector. The key costs for the agricultural sector are fertilizer and fuel, which together account for about 40-50% of the total production costs. The measures announced today will only provide partial assistance. I will divide this into three parts. First, regarding fertilizer prices, which tend to increase. The government's assistance is through the "Green Flag Fertilizer" project, limited to 5+1 bags, with the subsidy extended from 200 baht per bag to 300 baht per bag. When calculated, this is not a large amount. However, the significant problem with the Green Flag Fertilizer project is the very low number of farmers who have participated in the past. As the People's Party MP debated in parliament, it covers only about 1% of the fertilizer demand. Today, Deputy Prime Minister Supachai mentioned that the quantity of the Green Flag Fertilizer project will be increased, but he has not yet specified by how much. Therefore, we propose that all farmers be covered and be able to use the subsidy in the same way as the government has planned. Furthermore, we are concerned about fuel oil, as today we clearly see that there are no measures related to fuel oil for the fishing and agricultural sectors. There are only measures for the transportation sector and public transportation. As I mentioned, this is a significant cost for our farmers. We would like to see clear measures for assistance regarding fuel for fishermen, farmers, and agricultural machinery service providers, as this is a crucial cost. This includes plowing and land preparation, which will begin for the rainy season rice in late April and early May, and continue through harvesting. Therefore, there should be measures for fishermen, farmers, and agricultural service providers. The third part I will discuss is the fertilizer shortage. Although Mr. Supachai tried to explain the reasons for the discrepancies in the figures between August, April, and May, he has not provided clear numerical data. I would like to confirm that since chemical fertilizer is a controlled product, the quantity of chemical fertilizer is in the hands of the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry of Commerce should provide the figures for the quantity of fertilizer available in the country, and in what stage it is to arrive, as well as where it is in the country, whether in warehouses or at retail stores, and in which provinces, for the public to know. Also, Mr. Supachai repeatedly emphasized that if fertilizer prices increase, people should report it. However, when fertilizer prices are to increase, they must be approved by the Ministry of Commerce. This means the Ministry of Commerce already knows the prices. Mr. Supachai should do the opposite: announce the prices that the Ministry of Commerce has currently allowed fertilizer vendors to sell at, and then farmers or the public can help report if they are sold above that price. Clarity in information will help prevent the same doubts that have arisen in the case of fuel oil from occurring in the case of chemical fertilizer, which also tends to be in short supply and is already scarce in many areas. Finally, I would like to mention the vulnerable groups we are concerned about. If we look at vulnerable groups, we see that they receive only an additional 100 baht per month from the state welfare card. However, we know that even among the poorest 20% of the country, about 40-50% do not receive state welfare cards. Therefore, assistance measures for these groups are very important. We want the government to provide details, for example, for students, many of whom have limitations regarding tuition fees, as it is not truly free education, and there are additional expenses. Therefore, an emergency loan for education during a crisis would be very beneficial. This also includes an emergency loan for vulnerable households to help them get through the crisis, which the government should also implement urgently and clearly. Thank you. >> For the budget source and the amount used this time, it is 7.7 billion baht. However, upon looking into the details, we found that only 3 billion baht is used for the relief of the people. This includes topping up the state welfare card by 100 baht per person for one month. Another part is for assisting the transportation sector, and then there is the Ministry of Commerce, which uses about 200 million baht for the "Blue Flag" project and other assistance programs. However, the largest portion approved today is not for immediate relief of the people but for solving the government's own problems, which is that the budget for the "Pracharath Fund" was insufficient for fiscal year 2026. Normally, the Pracharath Fund requires a budget of about 50 billion baht per year, but in 2026, the government allocated only 30 billion baht. This is why, now that we are halfway through the fiscal year, the fund is experiencing a cash shortage. Therefore, it is necessary to use 4.7 billion baht from the central budget to replenish the Pracharath Fund. Otherwise, the initial 300 baht to help with living expenses would not be available, let alone the additional 100 baht to be added later. I see this as a clear reflection of the government's financial problems at this time. It is evident that there are already problems in meeting regular expenditures, and therefore, the assistance to various vulnerable groups is a very limited measure and not proportional to the suffering of the people. The additional 100 baht per month is unlikely to cover the increased cost of living. However, Deputy Prime Minister Piti mentioned that new budget sources will arise from the fiscal year 2027 budget, and the budget calendar for 2027 has already been approved. What is missing is a plan to secure funds for the remaining part of 2026. Previously, in policy statements and press conferences, there was talk of issuing a budget transfer act, and it was also mentioned that an emergency decree might be issued for greater speed and convenience. I have already debated this matter, and the conclusion was reached by the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Pornprom, that an emergency decree for budget transfer will not be issued, but a budget transfer act will be. Therefore, the next step is that we expect a cabinet resolution to issue guidelines on which budgets will be cut and which will be transferred, as there is not much time left in the budget year. Previously, the Comptroller General's Department issued a letter urging government agencies to expedite budget disbursement by April 30th. It is expected that any budget not used before April 30th will be used as central funds to be cut or transferred to address immediate problems. Therefore, I would like to call on the government to seriously consider a cabinet resolution on this matter. If these funds are indeed used, even though we see that the remaining funds to be cut or transferred for immediate problem-solving are decreasing, and the goal of reaching 50 billion baht is becoming increasingly difficult as time passes. Therefore, I believe the government needs to urgently look for other budget sources to address the immediate problems of the people. Otherwise, we will have to endure relief measures that are not proportional to the suffering of the people, as is happening today. >> In summary, we believe that if we look at the details, the measures to help and provide relief to the people during this period are insufficient and too small. Of the 7.7 billion baht announced, 4.7 billion baht is used for things that were not adequately funded in the first place, even though they should have been prepared. Therefore, only about 3 billion baht is available for immediate relief, leaving many groups out. We want to be a voice for those who are still left out: our fishermen. What about them? What about plastic pellets that are linked to other industries? What about young children, laborers, and the elderly? Will they receive assistance or not? Even among farmers, the details of assistance provided are expected to be insufficient. If the previous methods are used, only hundreds of thousands of people will be helped, but there are at least 5 million farmers involved. Therefore, the assistance may not be comprehensive. We take this opportunity to urge the government to consider all groups of people who are suffering and to implement measures that are well-spent, broad, and sufficient. Many of the measures are not just for immediate problems but are for the medium or long term. For example, soft loans. Today, there is talk of providing many low-interest loans or soft loans, but many people may not need them now. They need immediate assistance to solve their current problems. This is what we want the government to do at this time. Do members of the press have any further questions? >> If so, thank you. Okay. >> Okay, thank you. I would like to wish a happy Songkran to Professor Ton as well. Professor Ton. >> For this occasion, this year will likely be a bit heated, not just due to the heat but also due to the increased prices. I would like to offer encouragement to all citizens who are traveling home for Songkran and visiting elders in their families. I wish you a happy Songkran and hope that we will see measures that help the people and those who are suffering. Those who are not able to go out to the field or visit their families, please play. Even if life is as bad as it can be. >> Thai people have New Year's Day. In this regard, and on the occasion of meeting relatives, it is a good thing. If you think of your family, call and video chat. >> Okay. The press conference has concluded. It was a bit of a New Year's greeting. >> Okay. For those who have been watching, please remember to like, share, subscribe, and don't forget to donate to support our program so we can continue to cover events and press conferences during this long holiday. I rushed from the office to cover this press conference as scheduled. For those who are traveling during Songkran and have free time while driving, don't forget to watch our past livestreams and support us so we can continue to do this work. And don't forget to remind the Prime Minister about the vulnerable groups, and don't let plastic and fertilizer be scarce like oil. There are still many segments of the population who need your help, Prime Minister. The people are rich and poor. Okay. I don't think there is anything else. We will see you again in the next livestream. Please subscribe and turn on notifications so you are alerted when we go live. Stay tuned for more events on the channel. Okay. I wish everyone a fun and safe Songkran. Take care of your health and drive safely. If anything happens during Songkran, we will see you again. Thank you all very much for today. And don't forget the important part: donate to support us so we don't forget to use it. >> Don't forget to donate. Thank you for your support. Thank you very much. Please don't forget to donate. For those who haven't supported us yet, so we can have fuel costs reduced in this era of expensive oil, so we can cover events like this with clear images for you to see. Even a small amount is welcome. 10 baht, 20 baht, 100 baht, 1,000 baht, you can support us. We will see you next time. Thank you all very much for today. >> What are you doing? I'll tell you. I don't know. Professor. Professor. >> Yes.