The Prime Minister is preparing to appoint Ekniti to lead the Energy Command Center and the Ministry of Energy, replacing Phiphat after a conflict of interest controversy. He affirmed listening to the people's voice and stressed that every drop refined in the country must be used by Thai citizens. Plans are underway to import refined oil directly to Laos.
On 1 April 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the case where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced on a news program that he would not oversee the Ministry of Energy. He stated that the Center for Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict, which tracks oil situations, will be discontinued with the government. “Mouse 1” and when “Mouse 2” arrives, a new center must be established. Many officials in current positions will be rotated. He acknowledged plans to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas as chair to assure both the public and Phiphat himself. Nevertheless, he emphasized drawing on everyone's knowledge and experience to resolve public issues, listening carefully to society, citizens, academics, and all parties to ensure confidence and continued work.
When asked if there will be additional energy advisors, Anutin said there are already some. Regarding whether Ekniti will oversee the Ministry of Energy as Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin confirmed this is the case to reassure both the public and Phiphat. He clarified the change is not due to Phiphat having a conflict of interest in energy but because they are responding to the people's concerns.
Regarding yesterday’s meeting of the Bhumjaithai Party, where the Director-General of the Department of Energy Business, the Department of Marine, and Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Thadawut Tatphit were summoned to discuss energy concerns, Anutin said it was a request for cooperation from all parties, including the Center for Maritime National Interest Protection, police, Department of Marine, and Department of Provincial Administration, to prevent illegal oil smuggling. From now on, oil must be for Thai citizens only. Refined oil will be procured and sold directly to Laos. Therefore, every drop refined in Thai refineries must be reserved for Thai use. He reiterated the commitment to ensure Thai people truly benefit, especially while Thai oil prices remain lower than neighboring countries.
Asked if there were discussions with the Navy Chief of Staff about the 2001 MOU, Anutin said, "For me, it is finished," emphasizing that by "finished," he means canceled.