Supachai sees the U.S. announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran as a positive development and swiftly consults the Ministry of Industry to address the plastic pellet crisis.
At 09:00 on 8 April 2026, at Building 1, Government House, Supachai Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, chaired a meeting with officials on managing plastic pellets. The meeting included Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry; Wutthikrai Leewiraphan, Permanent Secretary of Commerce and PTT board chairman; and Natthaphon Rangsitphol, Permanent Secretary of Industry.
Before the meeting, Supachai commented on the U.S. announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, saying that if confirmed, it would be beneficial. "We can better control upstream goods. As for whether this will improve transportation fluidity, we constantly monitor, especially controlled goods, to ensure sufficient quantities and costs for better management. A real ceasefire would be positive. Currently, we need to check stock levels and product costs, especially essential consumer goods under control."
Supachai said today's meeting focused on plastic pellets, which were declared controlled goods on 25 March. Discussions with operators will cover current stock levels and reasons for recent price surges. She acknowledged shortages requiring imports as raw materials. The meeting involved the industry sector since managing plastic pellets requires joint efforts between the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry.
Asked about plastic pellet stocks, Supachai said today’s discussion would cover multiple pellet types, not just one. The meeting will also promote plastic pellet recycling because Thailand has a large amount of plastic waste but recycles only about 20%.