The Mor Lam troupe has adjusted its plans to cope with high and scarce fuel prices by sending teams ahead to request refueling in advance, ensuring performances can start on time. They lament that they cannot raise wages because contracts are signed across the year.
At 10:00 a.m. on 22 Mar 2026 GMT+7, a reporter was informed by Mr. Manit Thosaeng, 42, owner of the Mor Lam Isan Nakhon Sin music troupe, that following the war in the Middle East, fuel prices of all types have risen. This has impacted his troupe and many others, as diesel fuel used for transporting stage trucks, sound equipment, generators, and vehicles carrying musicians, artists, and dancers—over 20 vehicles—is both scarce and more expensive.
This situation has heavily impacted the Mor Lam Isan Nakhon Sin troupe due to rising diesel fuel costs. Because their contracts are signed across the year, they cannot request price increases after signing.
“We have had to adjust travel plans by sending teams to drive ahead first. When they reach a gas station, they contact staff to arrange refueling for the troupe so we can continue traveling to our performance venues on time,” he said.
“Another backup plan is that if they pass any gas station first, they refuel there, even if the amount is limited to no more than 500 baht, we still fill up in advance. Fortunately, this month’s performance schedule is entirely within the Isan region, so long-distance travel is not required, but we still need to refuel at almost every station,” he added.
Mr. Manit continued, expressing concern over anticipated further fuel price increases, which would raise costs for the Mor Lam industry. They can only try to find ways to reduce expenses because this year’s performances are under contracts signed across the year, so they cannot increase prices. They must minimize costs as much as possible without affecting the more than 100 team members.
Regarding next year’s performances, they will review whether wage increases are possible, but they prefer not to raise prices to avoid burdening event organizers. Personally, he hopes diesel prices will not exceed 30 baht per liter, which would limit negative impacts. Discussions with two to three other Mor Lam troupes about rising fuel prices revealed that fuel prices have hit a ceiling, and performance fees cannot increase because current rates are already at the maximum.
He urges the government to monitor fuel prices, hoping they will not rise further and that sufficient fuel supplies are available to meet public demand. If fuel prices continue to increase, it will inevitably affect day laborers’ livelihoods.