Pichai, former Energy Minister, agrees with Anutin's control of diesel prices and points out that if the situation prolongs, excise tax on diesel can be reduced by 6.92 baht per liter. He urges strict price controls on goods and suggests creating three opportunities amid the global crisis.Tags: [Energy Policy, Diesel Price Control, Tax Reduction, Consumer Protection, Economic Opportunities]
On 7 March 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, former Minister of Commerce and former Minister of Energy, said that due to the Middle East war where the United States cooperates with Israel in attacking Iran, the situation remains severe and intense, impacting the world, especially with crude oil prices rapidly rising. This follows Iran's announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz in response. Recently, crude oil prices surged to around 100 US dollars per barrel. Therefore, the government must closely monitor and respond to the situation and hopes it will return to normal quickly.Tags: [Middle East Conflict, Oil Prices, International Relations, Government Response]
Mr. Pichai stated that he agrees with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's announcement to cap diesel prices at no more than 29.94 baht per liter, as this will help the public get through the crisis. Diesel is a major cost in transporting almost all goods. If diesel prices rise, product prices will follow, causing significant hardship for people. Even after the crisis, when diesel prices drop, raised product prices often do not decrease accordingly. Therefore, after announcing diesel price control, the government must have the Ministry of Commerce urgently monitor to prevent shortages and price gouging. Goods must neither be scarce nor overpriced to avoid affecting the public's livelihood.Tags: [Diesel Price Cap, Cost of Living, Consumer Protection, Ministry of Commerce]
However, if the situation prolongs, the government can reduce the excise tax on diesel, currently 6.92 baht per liter. Although this may reduce government revenue somewhat, the public would benefit. When the situation returns to normal, the government can reinstate the excise tax on diesel. In the past, during global volatility and rising crude oil prices, the government used this method to assist the public. He offers this information for consideration.Tags: [Excise Tax, Diesel, Government Revenue, Public Assistance]
Mr. Pichai stated that amid this crisis, Thailand can seek opportunities to benefit from the global situation in three major ways:Tags: [Crisis Management, Economic Opportunities, Thailand Development]
1. Food Security Project: He conceived this to specifically address crisis situations. Thailand is a major global food producer and can produce sufficient food reserves for sale to these countries. He has promoted this idea since former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's time at various international conferences, especially at the 2024 international conference in Qatar, where the idea was well received. Singapore's recent purchase of 100,000 tons of rice from Thailand stems from this food security approach, following former Prime Minister Thaksin’s meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Laos. Several Middle Eastern countries—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and even Israel—have shown interest. UAE’s Minister Thani flew to express a desire to co-invest with Thailand on this and to pursue it alongside Thailand-UAE free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, which have stalled on certain products. The current crisis may accelerate the Food Security project’s success, and Thailand should expedite it. Several Ministry of Commerce directors are capable and prepared to manage this. Thailand can sell large amounts of food, stockpile domestically, and supply these countries, generating national revenue and increasing income for Thai farmers.Tags: [Food Security, International Trade, Agriculture, Middle East, Free Trade Agreement]
2. Data Center Project: Amid the Middle East war, many government buildings and data centers have been attacked. Thus, the idea to build a Data Center in Thailand—friendly to all countries, strategically located, and well-equipped with infrastructure—to store data for Middle Eastern and other war-risk countries could greatly benefit Thailand. This also offers potential for AI business development. Investment in Data Centers and AI could reach tens to hundreds of billions of baht.Tags: [Data Center, Technology Investment, Middle East, AI Development, Infrastructure]
3. Land Bridge and Large Oil Storage Project: The war-induced closure of the Strait of Hormuz highlights the urgent need for oil transportation routes and large oil reserves. Therefore, the land bridge concept in southern Thailand could be highly beneficial, generating significant revenue and greatly advancing development in the southern region.Tags: [Land Bridge, Oil Storage, Infrastructure Development, Southern Thailand, Energy Security]
In the global volatility, crises and opportunities arise simultaneously. These three pre-conceived opportunities can help Thailand develop amid the world's unstable crisis and may open additional opportunities. National leaders must collaborate to enable Thailand to develop and compete effectively with other countries in the region.Tags: [Global Crisis, Economic Development, National Strategy, Regional Competition]