REPRESENTATIVES of two large labour union groups and various civil society networks marched to Government House today (April 2) to demand lower fuel prices and action on costly consumer goods plus to stop supporting capitalists, TV Channel 7 said.
Led by Mr. Sawit Kaewwan, president of Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC), along with the State Enterprise Workers’ Federation (SEWF) and various civil society networks, a total of approximately 120 protesters gathered at Gate 5 of Government House on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road to submit a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Mr. Somphat Nilphan, adviser to the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, received it on Anutin’s behalf.
The letter demanded that the government urgently tackle the fuel shortage crisis exacerbated by high prices of electricity and consumer goods. The seven issues that affect the public include: controlling prices, halting the privatisation of energy enterprises, disclosing production data, and verifying information at the source.
Regarding oil prices, Sawit said the Prime Minister should use special powers to manage energy issues in an emergency situation to strictly control them, as well as control the prices of consumer goods, and cancel contracts to purchase expensive electricity from capitalists.
He mentioned that he was disappointed with the government’s response, as it ignored the people’s demands. He emphasised that the price of oil and goods could come down if the government were sincere, and that the government should not claim to be in a caretaker capacity, because fundamentally, a country should never be without a ruler.
“Whether we like or dislike you, or whether we voted for you or not, is another matter. But once you were elected by the people, you must protect the interests of the country and its people. If you don’t, it’s tantamount to betraying the people, and accusations of supporting capitalists will follow.
“Are Bhumjaithai Party’s policies not based on carrying out what has been said, but in this case what was said has not been carried out. Therefore, what should be done is to lower oil prices,” Sawit concluded.
CAPTION:
Workers protesting at Gate 5 of Government Hous. Credit – TV Channel 7
Also read:
Supajee shrugs off ridicule over US streetside campus
Anutin II cabinet formally okayed by King
Nikorn tipped to replace unqualified Sudawan for Pheu Thai ministerial seat
Somsak awaits ministerial seat down to the wire
Julapun dismisses tussle over Pheu Thai cabinet seats
Business group slashes Thai GDP forecast over soaring energy prices
Korn: Isn’t 17 baht a litre refining margin excessive?
Farmers object to midnight oil price hikes
6 baht fuel price hike will not stop smuggling: MP
American consortium closing in on Sheffield Wednesday takeover bid
Police probing murder of senior Narathiwat official, girlfriend
