“Trirat” Refutes “Polpeer” Distortion, Insists He Never Requested Solar Price Increase, Opposes Electricity Authority Competing with Private Solar Installers - Thairath English

Tirirat countered Polpeer's distortion of facts, firmly denying ever requesting a solar price increase. He pointed out that the 7-year guarantee and maintenance regulations push up public costs. He opposes the Electricity Authority entering competition with private solar installers, warning it risks harming small operators.

On 5 Nov 2026 GMT+7 at the Parliament building, Mr. Tirirat Sirichantaropas, energy economic team member of the Democrat Party, held a press conference following MP Juree Numkaew's question to Energy Minister Eknat Promphan about concerns over the People's Solar Project. Deputy Interior Minister Polpeer Suwanchavee then spoke and referenced Tirirat. Tirirat clarified that private discussions with Polpeer about raising solar system prices for operators were false; he never made such a request. Rather, he urged reconsidering rules—especially abolishing the guarantee letter and the unusually long 7-year maintenance, which is 5 years longer than normal, plus 7-year fire insurance. He views these as unnecessary cost additions that raise costs for buyers and sellers. If system prices rise yet are capped at 140,000 baht, installers may cut equipment specs and labor costs.

Tirirat said he proposed to Polpeer that the Electricity Authority should allow prices to float freely rather than setting a subcontractor installation price ceiling of 110,000 baht, which risks locking in only cheap equipment brands. He suggested buyers should freely choose solar installers so people can select either budget or premium solar systems as they wish.

He further proposed that the Electricity Authority's distribution division should not act as a solar installation contractor competing with small operators, as it is not their core role. The Provincial Electricity Authority’s deputy governor previously stated in an interview that they lack the capacity to install rooftop solar themselves, requiring subcontractors. Tirirat questioned why the Electricity Authority insists on self-installation and thus called for abolishing that practice.