A senator revealed bad news for Thais: rising oil prices are not the only concern, as instant noodle prices are also set to increase because producers can no longer bear the rising costs. He called on the Ministry of Commerce to urgently control product prices and advised people to grow vegetables and raise chickens to survive.
At 09:30 on 23 March 2026 at the Parliament, the Senate convened under the chairmanship of Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, the Senate President. Senator Ratchanikorn Thongthip submitted an urgent motion requesting the Senate to consider the impact of the Middle East conflict on Thailand. She stated that escalating conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted major global oil supply routes, causing economic and energy crises. In many parts of Thailand, oil supplies are insufficient to meet public demand. Although the government insists there is no oil shortage yet, prolonged conflict risks widespread energy shortages in Thailand, affecting the economy.
Senator Ratchanikorn predicted Thailand's GDP would shrink by at least 1%, especially due to exports to the Middle East suffering losses exceeding 60 billion baht. She urged the government to seek ways to boost other GDP sectors to offset these losses. The tourism sector has been severely affected, with over 1,000 flight cancellations and rerouting to avoid the Middle East, causing some tourists to be stranded in various destinations. The government must take a clear stance not to involve Thailand in any war or conflict. Regarding energy management, policymakers must have no financial interests in the oil business and should solve problems transparently and fairly.
Several senators subsequently discussed similar concerns about the Middle East energy crisis's impact on Thailand, particularly oil transport disruptions that will affect the agriculture sector reliant on fuel. This leads to higher fertilizer and animal feed prices and raises consumer costs due to more expensive goods.
Senator Patima Jirapat said the energy crisis affects prices of all goods, such as eggs increasing by 20 satang per egg. On the night of 22 March, he spoke with executives from Sahapat Phibun Company, who informed him that instant noodle prices are about to rise. Instant noodles serve as a survival indicator for people as an affordable, filling product. He urged the Ministry of Commerce to control prices and prevent opportunistic hikes. Some price increases are justified by higher costs, but any increases must be clearly explained, detailing the cost components and the percentage increase, rather than doubling prices arbitrarily from 5 baht to 10 baht.
He also stressed the importance of promoting greater use of green fuels in agriculture. Activities planned for early April 2025 include encouraging vegetable planting—something some people laughed at over the past year but is now vital advice. Raising two chickens per household and fish farming are suggested as long-term survival strategies should a severe crisis occur.