The Ministry of Finance is preparing a monthly budget of 1.8 billion baht to assist vulnerable groups and businesses, aiming to use direct and precise payment technology. It also revealed plans to continue reducing excise taxes and emphasized that all measures are temporary and only applicable during the crisis period.
On 28 March 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Lawaron Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, revealed the plan to address the oil price crisis. The government is preparing targeted aid measures for vulnerable groups and businesses directly affected, such as the transport and fishing sectors, alongside previously announced policies.
For the transport sector, assistance will be provided as direct payments to operators through digital systems like PromptPay, ensuring funds reach those truly affected and reducing discrepancies. GPS technology will verify the actual use of each vehicle before compensating based on real fuel consumption. Initially, truck operators will be compensated at 6 baht per liter, with reimbursements made after submitting actual mileage data. Public buses will receive about 4 baht per liter. The entire system will be based on actual usage per vehicle for fairness and accuracy.
Mr. Lawaron stated there are currently over 100,000 registered trucks and about 20,000 public buses. The Ministry of Transport and the Department of Land Transport will be the main agencies implementing the program, while the Ministry of Finance will provide the budget, estimated at approximately 1.8 billion baht per month.
Additionally, there is a support measure for registered motorcycle taxi drivers, numbering over 100,000. They will receive 300 baht per month directly via PromptPay, as their ID card data is already on file.
Mr. Lawaron said all measures will be implemented within legal frameworks until the new government is formed, using emergency funds immediately once approved. Currently, preparations for the budget and awaiting political clarity are proceeding in parallel to enable the fastest possible assistance.
“Relief measures should start promptly because oil prices have already risen. Delaying assistance even by a week significantly affects the people,” Mr. Lawaron said. /
Clear Emphasis on Crisis-Only Use
Regarding tax measures, the Ministry of Finance is drafting a ministerial regulation to reduce oil excise taxes, having consulted with the Office of the Council of State. The specific rates are being finalized before proposing enforcement. The government stresses that all measures are temporary crisis fixes; long-term solutions will depend on policies of the incoming government.
Regarding the increase in funds for the state welfare card, a committee meeting will be held on Monday, 30 March 2026. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Akniti Nititandprapas, will take place at the Ministry of Finance at 14:00.
Mr. Lawaron confirmed that the Cabinet has already approved the principle. The next step is to submit the budget request to the Election Commission for approval according to regulations. Once funds are received, money can be added to cardholders' accounts immediately without waiting for the first day of the month. Once the budget is ready, the system will transfer funds instantly, and entitlements can be used continuously for 30 days.