The Prime Minister visited the Government House to pay respects to the replica of Narasingha and called the economic team to discuss responses to the oil shortage crisis and rising product prices. Meanwhile, "Akniti" pointed out that issuing a money-borrowing emergency decree is not possible yet due to the caretaker government status.
On 16 March 2026 at 09:09 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, arrived at the Government House to carry out official duties. Upon arrival, he paid respects to the replica of Narasingha, a daily customary practice.
Meanwhile, this morning it was reported that the Prime Minister convened a meeting with the economic team and government legal officials to address energy issues stemming from the Middle East war crisis. Attendees included Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport; Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs.Supachai Sutthumpan, Ministerof Commerce, and Atthapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy; Pakorn Nilprapan, Secretary-General of the Council of State; Nantapong Jiralertpong, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office,Anan Kaewkamnerd,Director of the Budget Bureau,Lawaron Saengsanit,Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
Akniti said the Prime Minister called the meeting as a follow-up to yesterday's (16 March) discussion on oil, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring.
Regarding whether an emergency money-borrowing decree to compensate the oil fund will be necessary to handle the crisis,energy crisis or not, Akniti said today the Secretary-General of the Council of State would join to discuss legal aspects.On whether borrowing will be needed, Akniti said, "As of today, we are still monitoring the situation. Currently, as a caretaker government, we cannot issue anylaws."
Nevertheless, attention is warranted since last night Sihasak called Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, requesting Iran’s support for a mission to assist three Thai crew members still stranded on the Mayurinari ship, and to discuss permission for Thai commercial vessels to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Reporters noted that on the evening of 16 March, Anutin had duties as Honorary Minister on the occasion of the official state visit by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to the Lao People's Democratic Republic from 16 to 18 March 2026.