"Akaniti" launches a comprehensive set of measures to assist vulnerable groups, the transport sector, and farmers to alleviate the impact of the conflict in the Middle East region, and help people cope with the crisis.
On 12 April 2026, Mr. Akaniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced measures to aid those affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
Vulnerable groups: Measures to ease living expenses through the State Welfare Card by increasing the monthly purchase credit for consumer goods from 300 baht to 400 baht for one month, from 13 April 2026 to 12 May 2026.
Agriculture sector: A half-interest loan program by BAAC to reduce production costs such as fertilizer and enhance related skills, with a loan limit of 30 billion baht at an interest rate of 6% per year. The government will subsidize half the interest (3%) under conditions, with a maximum loan of 100,000 baht per person.
Government contractors: Government agencies, state enterprises, and other public bodies are urged to expedite fund transfers or adjustments to compensate for construction contract price adjustments (K value). The Comptroller General's Department and the Budget Bureau have relaxed procurement rules to help contractors mitigate the impact of fluctuating material and fuel prices.
Transport sector: Budget support of 2,060.74 million baht from 20 April to 31 May 2026 to subsidize fuel costs for transport operators, including 1) hired transport vehicles (large and small trucks), 2) public motorcycles, 3) public buses (vans and minibuses using diesel), 4) taxis using fuel, and 5) non-scheduled buses (buses, vans, minibuses).
Measures to prepare citizens and SMEs to transition to clean energy:
Government Savings Bank: Launched a 100 billion baht low-interest loan project "GSB Revive Thai Business" for SMEs and a 5 billion baht low-interest energy adaptation loan for the public.
Government Housing Bank: Provides special interest loans for energy savings for purchasing, building, renovating, repairing, and refinancing housing, including loans for solar rooftop installations up to 300,000 baht per person at an interest rate of 3.90% per year for the first 3 years.
EXIM Bank: Supports working capital loans for exporters affected by rising transport costs, charging an interest rate of 2.06% per year for small operators, and offers export insurance programs with special premium rates to cover increased risks from the Middle East crisis.
SME Development Bank: Implements the SMEs Green Productivity program to upgrade SMEs transitioning to green industries, offering a 3% annual interest rate for the first 3 years, with loans up to 30 million baht per applicant.
Reducing government agency budgets: The Cabinet has assigned the Budget Bureau to consider reducing government agency expenditures, such as suspending overseas study tours or training and replacing them with domestic activities, as well as cutting energy use within government units to improve resource management efficiency.
