The Prime Minister convened a meeting with relevant ministries and agencies to explore alternative sources for crude oil imports amid concerns that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could severely impact supply after March, as the situation is changing rapidly and intensifying.
At 14:30 on 5 March 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul called a meeting with relevant agencies to discuss and monitor the domestic energy situation following the impact of the conflict in the Middle East region. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Finance Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Energy Atthapol Rerkpiboon, Deputy Minister of Transport Mallika Jirananwanich, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the Office of the Council of State Pakorn Nilprapunt, along with other relevant agencies attending in full.
The Prime Minister stated, "Today’s meeting is urgent following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which affects Thailand’s crude oil imports. I received reports from Minister Phiphat and Minister Anek after yesterday’s meeting (4 March) confirming that March is not expected to see major impacts yet, but data shows numbers will start to decline. Since the incident, the situation has changed significantly and become more severe. From Saturday through Monday, information has shifted, so we need to establish measures within Thailand to ensure crude oil imports are not affected. Currently, imports come equally from the Middle East and other sources, so I request that we clearly separate and identify from where the other half is imported."
The Prime Minister also added that Ministers Atthapol and Phiphat are oil trade experts and asked them to collaborate on ideas to minimize the situation's impact. He further requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with other countries regarding the purchase of oil and other fuels to build confidence among domestic consumers."
