Phiphat discussed with the Crisis Management Center and approved maintaining energy crisis response measures after 15 days, assuring minimal impact on citizens and businesses. He ordered the Foreign, Energy, and Commerce Ministries to jointly communicate to build public confidence.
At 16:10 on 17 Mar 2026 at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, serving as director of the Crisis Management Center monitoring the Middle East conflict, chaired the meeting. Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthumphand, Energy Minister Atthaphon Rerkpiboon, and related agencies attended.
Mr. Phiphat informed the meeting that the ongoing Middle East conflict remains highly uncertain and could directly impact global economic stability, especially concerning the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transport route. If prolonged, this would inevitably affect both global and Thai economies.
Mr. Phiphat said that since the Middle East conflict began, the government has closely monitored the situation and implemented measures to continuously alleviate hardships for citizens and businesses, especially energy policies and price stability. This includes a 15-day diesel price freeze ending today. Despite rising fuel subsidies, today's meeting aims to develop a systematic approach to managing national fuel prices, carefully considering impacts on citizens, businesses, and fuel operators to maintain energy policy stability without undue burden.
Mr. Phiphat stated that to foster understanding and confidence in these measures, the government emphasizes that the Foreign Ministry (MOFA), Energy Ministry (MOEN), and Commerce Ministry (MOC) participate in Crisis Management Center briefings to communicate facts, report situations, and update the public and businesses on all measures.