The Prime Minister defended Phiphat against conflict of interest accusations, stating that although Phiphat requested to resign, the resignation was not accepted. He affirmed there is no oil shortage and no energy emergency has been declared.
On 30 Mar 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed all hot issues amid the energy crisis, particularly allegations of conflict of interest involving Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn regarding high oil prices. The Prime Minister confirmed that Phiphat did submit a resignation from the chairmanship of the Energy Crisis Command Center last week after public criticism over his family's oil business, but the Prime Minister did not approve it, viewing Phiphat as a capable and experienced worker. He added that if there were any actual conflicts of interest, he would know and would not tolerate it.
"If he did anything wrong, I would definitely catch it. Actually, I intended for Mr. Ekniti to lead the team, but he requested to use Phiphat's name to fully drive the work," said Prime Minister Anutin. He confirmed that the country's oil supply remains sufficient, with no need to declare an energy emergency. Currently, the situation at gas stations is easing and nearly back to normal. He ordered governors of all 76 provinces to monitor and report every morning, using these reports as KPIs during the Songkran festival. He also explained that importing refined oil through PTT for onward delivery to Laos is to build confidence and better manage reserve systems for greater stability.
Regarding suggestions from Peerapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation party, on solving the oil problem, the Prime Minister said the government is open to all opinions but final decisions rest with the Cabinet. He added that during Songkran, oil prices will still follow global market dynamics. Diesel could reach 60 baht per liter if the Middle East conflict intensifies, as foreign conflicts are beyond their control.