The diesel shortage crisis impacts the "Sao Noi Phet Ban Paeng" Mor Lam troupe, with a total of 20 trucks and buses unable to refuel to travel for performances. The troupe manager appeals to the government for urgent resolution.
Regarding the case, Boss Joe Yomnin Namwongsa, the leader of the Sao Noi Phet Ban Paeng Mor Lam troupe, posted on the Facebook page “Num Joe Yomnin Namwongsa Sao Noi Phet Ban Paeng” that his Mor Lam caravan team reported: After traveling 200 kilometers, passing nearly a hundred gas stations, none had any fuel. Staff at the stations said there would be no fuel deliveries today. If this continues, in two days the Mor Lam troupe will find it hard to continue or may not reach the host's home at all. (How did we get to this point, and how will we find a way out?)
On 17 Mar 2026 at 17:00 GMT+7, a reporter visited Wat Makkhararam, Ban Non Sung Pa Po Daeng, Champi Subdistrict, Si That District, Udon Thani Province, where an annual merit-making event was held. The Sao Noi Phet Ban Paeng Mor Lam troupe was performing, arriving late as their trucks carrying stage equipment, lighting, LED screens, buses for singers, artists, and dancers, and power generators faced fuel shortages. The convoy had to rush to set up the stage in time for the night's show.
Mr. Yongyut Wongsong, 55 years old, the manager of Sao Noi Phet Ban Paeng, revealed that the troupe is facing a problem of no fuel available at gas stations. They have to ration fuel for their vehicles. They need fuel for trucks carrying equipment and for traveling to performances. This morning, they tried every gas station but were told diesel was sold out. The troupe has 16 six-wheel trucks and 4 buses, totaling 20 vehicles, plus power generator vehicles, excluding vans and small vehicles. They pay about 2,400 baht per vehicle per day for fuel. The power generators consume about 6,000 baht worth of fuel, roughly over 200 liters, to run from 17:00 to 06:00 or during special performances. The problem has been accumulating for some time, but today it reached a crisis.
Mr. Yongyut further disclosed that at every gas station, staff waved them off, saying there was no fuel. The stations are completely out of fuel. He has never seen this before. Although fuel prices were previously high, shortages did not occur. Last night they performed in Bueng Kan Province, and today in Si That District, Udon Thani Province, traveling over 200 kilometers. The lack of fuel forced delays as they searched for gas stations to refuel. The power generator vehicles are still searching for fuel. Without fuel for generators, performances cannot proceed. A driver called to say they finally found a generous station to refuel, allowing tonight's show to go on. Tomorrow they must travel about 80 km to Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, not far, but they must find fuel for the generators.
Mr. Yongyut admitted that the fuel crisis severely impacts the Mor Lam industry. Sao Noi Phet Ban Paeng has over 300 personnel and a full schedule throughout the month due to the merit season, requiring constant travel for performances. Running out of fuel mid-trip would cause serious problems. Trucks can run about 300 km per refuel, enough for 2-3 shows, but the main issue is with the generators.
“I want to urge the government to come and support the people in rural areas. They truly have no fuel. To say they have no fuel hoarding and that supplies are sufficient sounds like mere words. The reality on the ground is there is no fuel available. This is a serious crisis, something I've never seen before. If there is still no fuel tomorrow, problems will surely arise within 1-2 days because our profession cannot use electricity; we rely on fuel for generators. We must go on because we have many fans. If absolutely necessary, we have to share fuel from vehicles, but how long can this keep us going? Days? The resulting price increases will also raise travel costs, which will inevitably affect our performance expenses,” Mr. Yongyut concluded.