Images show nine agencies ascending the Thai Khu Fah building to discuss the energy situation. Ekkanat, the newly appointed Energy Minister, appeared to listen in before officially assuming his duties after taking the oath.
On 3 April 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called a meeting of agencies related to energy and security at the second-floor office of the Thai Khu Fah building. Participants included Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice; Police Colonel Yuthana Praekham, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation; Admiral Thadawut Tadpitakkul, Chief of Naval Staff and Secretary-General of the Maritime Security Command; Sarawut Kaewtatip, Director-General of the Department of Energy Business; Police General Thatchai Pitapilabut, Deputy Commissioner of Police; Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director-General of the Marine Department; Panthong Loikulnun, Director-General of the Customs Department; and Pornchai Theerawet, Director-General of the Excise Department.
They discussed the situation regarding oil hoarding at several locations nationwide, particularly involving a major oil trading company in Surat Thani province suspected of stockpiling oil, as well as the illegal shipment of oil by sea to Cambodia.
Reporters noted that the Prime Minister also summoned Ekkanat Phon, who is preparing to assume the role of Energy Minister, to receive a briefing on the situation before officially taking office after taking the oath and delivering the government policy statement to Parliament.