Bangkok: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior confirms that the case of the letter of inquiry to the National Security Council is a normal process because the Ministry of Interior and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand are only electricity distributors to neighboring countries as assigned by the government. To stop selling electricity, information must be inquired from the security agencies according to the law for further consideration.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Chairman of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), revealed the case of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior, who signed a letter of inquiry to the National Security Council (NSC) to investigate information on peace and order and security in the area of energy distribution to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. This is because the distribution of electricity to neighboring countries is a government policy that involves security and humanitarian dimensions.
Mr. Arsit stated that even though the Ministry of Interior is an agency responsible for security, 'it is an agency for maintaining domestic security.' The current issue is an incident outside of Thailand. To take any action, the Ministry of Interior, as the ministry overseeing the Provincial Electricity Authority, must receive information from security agencies in accordance with the law, both at the local and policy levels. This is necessary to consider taking further action as the PEA only performs its duty as a system builder and distributor of electricity as assigned.
The actions of the Ministry of Interior and the PEA are in accordance with the normal process, which is to seek information to support the consideration of the action. After the cabinet resolved to prohibit the sale if it is found that there is a breach of contract and it affects security, the Ministry of Interior must therefore coordinate with various security agencies to obtain information to support the consideration of the suspension of electricity sales. This is a sensitive matter and affects relations with neighboring countries, requiring comprehensive information to support the consideration, added Mr. Arsit.
Mr. Arsit concluded that the Ministry of Interior, as the supervisor of PEA and PEA as the distributor of electricity, are ready to comply with the information and advice of the security sector. This inquiry letter was prepared for this reason. On February 6, 2025, PEA has invited 25 related agencies to join a meeting to discuss and obtain additional information for consideration.