Dr. Warong Urges EV Tractor Policy 2026: Slams Suriya
MP Warong Dechgitvigrom demands the cancellation of the 11.6 billion baht EV tractor project, stating 80% of farmers prefer fertilizer subsidies.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom questioned the 11.6 billion baht electric tractor project during a House meeting.
- Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Deputy Minister Watcharapol Khaokham skipped the parliamentary inquiry.
- Surveys indicate 80% of Thai farmers want cheaper fuel and fertilizer support instead of electric tractors.
- Critics demand the Ministry of Agriculture cancel the opaque project immediately.
At 11:10 AM on October 22, 2026, at the Sappaya-Sapasathan Thai Parliament Bangkok, during the House of Representatives meeting chaired by Sophon Sarum, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, a party-list MP and leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, submitted a direct parliamentary inquiry to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit regarding the controversial electric tractor project.
However, House Speaker Sophon Sarum informed the assembly that Minister Suriya had assigned Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Watcharapol Khaokham to address the inquiry instead. Yet, Deputy Minister Watcharapol reported that he was occupied with urgent official duties and could not attend, requesting the questioner to leave summary points for the minister instead, which drew criticism over legislative avoidance.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Dr. Warong argued during the parliamentary session that the electric tractor initiative, previously announced by Minister Suriya, remained ambiguous and inconsistent with facts. After submitting the proposal to the loan screening committee with a requested budget of 11.6 billion baht, the project lacked transparency regarding core details, such as the exact number of tractors, unit pricing, specific brand models, and the importing countries.
"Slams Suriya: If this project is not canceled, it will amount to exploiting farmers."
Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom
Furthermore, Dr. Warong emphasized feedback from actual agricultural communities, stating that approximately 80 percent of farmers had no interest in electric tractors. Instead, farmers desperately required government assistance for affordable fuel and subsidized fertilizers to alleviate soaring production costs. He warned that pressing forward with the project without heeding grassroots voices would turn the policy into an unfair burden on farmers.
Contextual Analysis: Government-funded agricultural machinery projects often face scrutiny regarding financial efficiency and practical relevance. Small-scale farmers in Thailand typically struggle with immediate debt and high input costs (fertilizer, fuel) rather than machinery shortages. Introducing high-tech solutions like electric agricultural vehicles requires careful consideration of charging infrastructure in rural farming areas and long-term maintenance accessibility.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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