FORMER prime minister and Democrat party-listed MP Chuan Leekpai today (April 13) questioned whether high fuel prices and hoarding could be due to the current government recouping investment in vote-buying during the Feb. 8 general election, Naewna newspaper said.
He was airing his views on politics during a lively Songkran celebration at his residence in southern Trang province’s Mueang district.
He greeted the visitors with a cheerful smile and was accompanied by his older brother, Kit Leekpai, former Trang Provincial Administrative Organisation chairman, and his younger brother, Raluek Leekpai.
He later visited Namphud School to participate in Songkran activities and poured scented water over the hands of the elderly.
It was observed that the number of visitors who came to offer Songkran greetings and join the prayers at Chuan’s residence had decreased this year compared to previous years. This could be due to several factors, including the rising cost of living, particularly fuel prices, and another significant factor: the shift in political influence in Trang province, which became evident and impactful after the Loesathapornpipit family switched from Democrat Party to Bhumjaithai Party.
Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere remained lively.
During the Songkran ceremony at the school, Chuan spoke in the Southern Thai dialect, saying, “After the formation of the government, you all saw what happened. Fuel prices rose, and there was a shortage. Villagers were distrustful because the owner of the gas stations is a deputy prime minister and they don’t believe hoarding didn’t take place..
“The villagers don’t believe the people who know when and how much the prices will go up. No one else knows. We don’t know. Even the characters in the shadow puppet show, Ai Nui, Ai Teng, Ai Kaew, and Ai Thong, don’t know. The only ones who know when and how much the prices will go up are the government and the ministers.
“Do you believe they aren’t hoarding? Do you believe they aren’t seeking personal gain? Simply put, they’re trying to recoup their investment. After spending so much money buying votes, they need to get their investment back. This is what raises suspicion about their behaviour.
“That’s why I say that if politics uses money, we’ll get a government like this. They must strive for honesty. I am proud to have served as a representative for the 18th term, the longest in Thailand and the longest in the world, for 57 years.”
Following this, Chuan returned to his residence where he extended New Year greetings to the Thai people nationwide through the media, saying, “Greetings to all Thai people on this New Year and Songkran festival. I send my respect, love, and best wishes to all of you. The situation in the country, especially the impact of events happening outside the country, affects the cost of living, particularly the price of oil, which greatly impacts our way of life.
“I want to offer encouragement to both those solving the problems and the general public. Whatever the situation may be, I believe that goodwill and sincerity towards each other will help us build resilience to some extent, giving us confidence as citizens.”
CAPTION:
This and Front Page – Former prime minister and Democrat party-listed MP Chuan Leekpai participating in Songkran festivities today, April 13, 2026
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