Bangkok: The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has unveiled its shadow cabinet, revealing a set of government policies along with four urgent agendas aimed at providing relief to those left out of protests and addressing high electricity prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, announced the launch of the "Shadow Cabinet" to offer better alternatives and restore hope to Thai society. The shadow cabinet aims to ensure rigorous oversight of the government by focusing on four key areas: assisting those overlooked, addressing electricity price issues, reassessing the Land Bridge project, and advocating for the Clean Air Act.
Mr. Nattapong emphasized the importance of this mechanism in providing a "better alternative" for the Thai people, as the nation's political and economic landscape has seen a decline since the 2026 elections. He highlighted the significance of offering hope to the people through transparent governance.
The People's Party's shadow cabinet has divided its focus into four main areas: the New Economy, New Quality of Life, New Security, and State Reform. Each area is led by a dedicated team member, aiming to scrutinize government decisions and propose alternatives that prioritize public interest.
The shadow cabinet's "four urgent agendas" call for immediate government action, including the "Thai Help Thai Plus" measures to support farmers, fishermen, and transportation operators. The government is urged to address electricity costs by negotiating reduced fees and expanding solar power usage. The Land Bridge project requires reevaluation to ensure economic and environmental considerations are met. Lastly, the shadow cabinet presses for the advancement of the Clean Air Act and the PRTR Act to improve air quality.
Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader of the People's Party, elaborated on assistance measures, highlighting the inadequacies of current government efforts. She suggested that reducing excise taxes and expanding aid to overlooked groups could alleviate the burden on the public.
The Land Bridge project, as confirmed by the Minister of Transport, requires a thorough reassessment due to its cost-effectiveness concerns. The shadow cabinet warns against potential government reliance on private sector investment that lacks financial viability.
Regarding electricity costs, Mr. Veerayuth Kanchuchat emphasized the need for the government to negotiate costs effectively and avoid burdening the public. He suggested financing options for solar panel installations to promote clean energy use.
Addressing the PM2.5 issue, Mr. Decharat Sukkamnerd stressed the urgency of passing the Clean Air Act and the PRTR Act to manage pollution effectively. The shadow cabinet pledges to monitor government actions closely to ensure these crucial measures are enacted.
The People's Party's shadow cabinet remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of the Thai people and holding the government accountable for its actions.