He argued the practice places an excessive burden on the public and may violate the constitution, reports the Bangkok Post.
Mr Wichien’s comments came amid growing controversy over revelations that households have long contributed to the cost of lighting public roads and other public areas through their electricity bills.
The issue gained national attention after Energy Minister Akanat Promphan disclosed on Tuesday (June 23) that electricity users nationwide had been paying an estimated 50-90 satang per unit, equivalent to 12-22% of electricity costs, to cover public lighting expenses. The practice is estimated to cost consumers between B10 billion and B20bn annually.
Yesterday, Mr Wichien said the arrangement effectively shifted the state’s responsibility for providing basic public infrastructure onto citizens.
He cited Sections 51 and 56 of the 2017 constitution, which require the state to provide essential public utilities and prohibit the collection of service charges that impose an unreasonable burden on the public.
Public street lighting, he argued, falls squarely within the state’s obligation to provide basic infrastructure for public benefit. “The inclusion of public lighting costs in electricity bills charged to all households could be regarded as an excessive burden on consumers,” he said.
Mr Wichien said affected citizens or communities could seek legal remedies by filing complaints with the Ombudsman, who could then refer the matter to the Constitutional Court for consideration.