Thanakorn, Minister of Industry, has assigned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to coordinate with industrial factory operators to understand the energy crisis situation. He pointed out that the government and the Crisis Management Center (CMC) must communicate clearly to raise public awareness, emphasizing that everyone must work together on this matter.
On 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry, spoke about measures to support industrial factories affected by the fuel situation. He said the government and Ministry of Industry are closely monitoring the situation and have implemented measures to alleviate the hardships faced by the industrial sector and the public.
Thanakorn revealed that he instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and related agencies to prepare preemptive measures since this is the government's final period. The Permanent Secretary has already convened ministry-wide meetings. Affected industries include steel, cement, semiconductors, and plastic pellet manufacturers. The Permanent Secretary has coordinated with operators to foster understanding and find joint solutions. He stressed that the government must communicate transparently and clearly to build awareness among all citizens, with everyone helping out.
Regarding the current contradictory situation marked by nationwide fuel chaos due to public doubts about sufficient supply, Thanakorn said the CMC is already in place. Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn as director, the CMC provides daily explanations. The Prime Minister also emphasizes and convenes related agencies daily. The most crucial task is to provide the public with accurate information. All parties must cooperate, not just the government, because this crisis results from the ongoing war, which no one wants to happen.
As for the current problem, fuel stations owned by parent companies have no issues, but small gas stations supplied by wholesalers are running dry. Thanakorn said the CMC must investigate this. Journalists are aware of this issue, and the Prime Minister has been fully committed, emphasizing it daily. As a Member of Parliament and current minister, Thanakorn has been continuously informed. Therefore, providing accurate information to the public is vital. It is evident that Bangkok does not face this problem, but the provinces do. The government must address why this issue exists and resolve it.