In Nakhon Ratchasima, residents continue to queue for fuel from early dawn despite the government announcing price increases on nearly all fuel types. Many say this is the first time in their lives, as far as they can remember, that during an era of expensive fuel they have had to compete this fiercely to buy it.
On 18 March 2026, reporters observed that at various gas stations in Krathum district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, many stations that operate on fixed hours had long lines of people waiting to buy fuel early this morning (18 Mar 26). For example, at the gas station near the traffic light at Pho Saen intersection within Chaeh subdistrict municipality, which operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., many people arrived with vehicles and containers to wait for diesel fuel starting around 5 a.m. This station allows the highest fuel volume per vehicle: cars with four wheels can fill up to 1,000 baht each, while vehicles with six wheels or more can fill up to 2,000 baht each.
Today’s fuel prices rose slightly, with diesel priced at 30.86 baht per liter. Some stations limit container filling to no more than 5 liters and restrict fuel purchase per vehicle to no more than 500 baht.
Interviewed, Mr. Wichit Yuangkrathok, 64, and his wife, who were among those queuing to buy fuel, said they had been waiting for 2-3 days to fill diesel into containers to use in their tractor. They rely on this tractor for both hired plowing work for others and their own farming. Without securing fuel this way, they cannot take jobs. The amount they can get varies, affecting how much work they can do—if they get less fuel, they must stop work midway. He said this is the first time in his life that he has had to queue like this for fuel. Previously, even when prices were high, there was no need to compete to this extent.
Mr. Chaiphat Chaikasem, 37, said he has to wake up earlier to fill his vehicle's tank because if he waits until after work in the evening, there may be no fuel left to buy. If an urgent trip arises then, it would cause problems. Therefore, he chooses to come in the morning to fill up, which at least ensures fuel availability.