Energy price restructuring is likely to be delayed for a month, as the public needs more time to understand the complicated situation before reforms are made, says the deputy junta chief.
ACM Prajin Juntong, head of the National Council for Peace and Order's economic team, said junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered a review of the energy reform plan because it needed more clarity.
The junta last month said energy price restructuring would be finalised this month.
"Gen Prayuth wants the public to have understanding of Thailand's energy supply and demand," ACM Prajin said.
Gen Prayuth cited the complicated structure of energy taxes, the Oil Fund and Energy Conservation Fund as well as cross-subsidies of cooking gas and hydrocarbon-based petrol and biofuel.
"If the information is not clear, the public might misunderstand. Public participation might be needed to create better mutual understanding about those structures," ACM Prajin said.
Energy reform began last month involving actions taken at the Energy Ministry, state enterprises, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC).
The latest moves include appointment of new board members of PTT Plc, an energy permanent secretary and ERC members.
The first meeting of PTT's new board, chaired by Piyasvasti Amranand, yesterday agreed to accelerate share divestment of PTT in Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) and Bangchak Petroleum Plc to minimise PTT's monopoly of oil business.
The board also decided to spin off its gas pipeline business and allow third-party access before a general election is held, Mr Piyasvasti said yesterday.
PTT owns 22.7% of Bangchak and 36% of SPRC, with the other 64% owned by California-based Chevron Corporation.
"The divestment will make the public feel more comfortable that PTT does not monopolise roles. In the long run, shareholders will benefit," said Mr Piyasvasti.
Divestment of PTT shares in SPRC and Bangchak, meanwhile, will not affect other refineries of the group including Thai Oil Plc and PTT Global Chemical Plc.
Based on an agreement made when SPRC's refinery was established, shareholders agreed to offer 30% of its registered capital to the public, while PTT and Chevron reduced their ownerships.
"Since PTT wants to divest all its shares, the company has already spoken and agreed with Chevron," Mr Piyasvasti said.
"However, the company needs to propose the plan to the NEPC for approval before the share offering is made to the public."