Deputy Interior Minister Addresses Solar Project Pricing Controversy
Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi has responded to allegations regarding solar installation pricing in Chiang Mai, emphasizing that the official benchmark price remains 140,000 baht.
On November 3, 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi addressed concerns raised by the opposition regarding potential irregularities in a public solar energy project in Chiang Mai. The controversy stems from internal documents suggesting an installation cost of 110,000 baht, which is significantly lower than the government's established benchmark price of 140,000 baht.
Phonphir clarified that the 140,000 baht figure is the standard benchmark set by the government and the Prime Minister. He expressed confusion over the lower figures appearing in internal Chiang Mai branch documents, noting that these documents were not certified by the central authority and have since been recalled. The Deputy Minister firmly denied allegations that the project was designed to favor private entities, asserting that his focus remains on public assistance.
For residents and those interested in renewable energy initiatives, this situation highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the transparency and standardization of government-backed solar programs. While the government maintains that the benchmark price is a guideline for fair competition, the discrepancy in internal documentation has prompted an investigation to determine if any corruption occurred. The public is currently awaiting the results of this inquiry to confirm whether the lower pricing was a clerical error or indicative of deeper administrative issues within the regional office.
