The Ministry of Commerce has assigned 58 trade envoys worldwide to monitor stranded Thai cargo ships and coordinate the use of alternative ports for cargo transfer. The Center for Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict (CAMMEC) continues to emphasize that the situation remains concerning, closely monitoring and assisting three crew members aboard the Mayurinari vessel.
At 16:30 on 27 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Center for Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict (CAMMEC), Government House, Energy Minister Atthapol Rerkpiboon chaired the CAMMEC meeting, standing in for Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who is the CAMMEC director.
At 18:00, Prakarn Kodamrong, Deputy Trade Envoy from the Ministry of Commerce, briefed on the CAMMEC meeting outcomes. To mitigate the cost-of-living impact, the ministry has set guidelines and measures covering four groups across the supply chain: vulnerable populations, farmers, small entrepreneurs, and exporters.
Prakarn explained that for the vulnerable group—low-income citizens—the main goal is immediate and targeted cost-of-living reduction. Key measures include the "Thai Help Thai" project and the affordable "Thong Fah" program, both immediately implementable. Additionally, 66 regulated products under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999) help reduce living costs. For farmers, the focus is on lowering production costs and boosting income through the "Green Flag" affordable pricing project, shifting to "Green Flag Plus" fertilizer to support reduced chemical fertilizer use, lessen import dependence, and promote organic fertilizers. For small entrepreneurs, the plan connects "Thai Help Thai" with local small businesses to expand affordable product sales, alongside supporting low-interest loans via state financial institutions, coordinated by the Department of Business Development and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. The ministry also monitors cost-based goods like fertilizers, animal feed, and industrial raw materials.
Prakarn added that for exporters, the goal is to maintain competitiveness by managing transportation costs. The Ministry of Commerce is working closely with the private sector and the Chamber of Commerce to find solutions for maritime transport challenges, including freight rates, coordinating with relevant agencies to release ships currently unable to depart. Meanwhile, the ministry has instructed all 58 trade envoys worldwide to closely report developments, especially regarding stranded cargo ships abroad, exploring ways to return them to Thailand and using alternative ports for smoother cargo transfer, striving for the best possible solutions under current conditions.
Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Middle East situation remains concerning despite reported negotiation efforts, with overall violence still intense, requiring continued close monitoring. Regarding assistance to Thai nationals, on the afternoon of 27 Mar 2026 GMT+7, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor received the body of Thai worker Chaiwat Waewnil, who died from shrapnel in Israel, at Suvarnabhumi Airport before transporting it to Chaiyaphum province for religious rites. As previously reported, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Department has assigned passport office heads to visit the relatives of the deceased and will continue providing assistance. The ministry is also closely monitoring and coordinating regarding three crew members aboard the Mayurinari cargo ship still stranded. Relevant agencies within CAMMEC will discuss detailed plans in smaller groups and will promptly update all concerned parties on developments.