Phiphat revealed the outcome of talks with the Fishing Association on using Diesel B20 instead of green oil, noting the cost is 5 baht cheaper than B7. He pointed out that boats staying docked is not a protest but a loss-making decision when going to sea. He urged that any issues should be discussed with the government and that protests should not involve blocking roads or rivers.
At 16:10 on 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, following a meeting with the Fishing Association of Thailand at the Government House lasting over two hours, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that today he received coordination from the association to discuss fuel used by fishing vessels in Thai waters. Previously, under normal conditions, fishing vessels used “green oil,” which is exempt from excise tax. Thus, the fishing vessel fuel price was about 10 baht cheaper than regular fuel.
However, due to the Persian Gulf crisis and rising crude oil prices, although the fuel fund subsidizes prices, refinery prices remain high. Fishing vessels cannot bear this burden given their large fuel consumption. Therefore, the association sent a letter to him in his capacity as Director of the Center for Management and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict Situation (Director of the Center).
Mr. Phiphat further stated, initially, the government will provide B20 fuel to the fishing association because it is usable by all vessels and is 5 baht cheaper than B7. Additionally, on 19 Mar at 13:00 GMT+7, the association will meet with the Prime Minister at the Parliament Building, with relevant agencies participating to find solutions for the association.
Regarding whether the measures can help fishing professionals continue their work normally, Mr. Phiphat said that docking vessels is not a protest but a measure to avoid losses at sea. Therefore, he said it is better to come and talk because protesting by docking vessels causes inconvenience to locals, which he wants to avoid. If there are issues, he encourages sending representatives to discuss with the government. Protests involving blocking roads or rivers will cause further harm and trouble to uninvolved people. .