The Prime Minister emphasized the close monitoring of the Middle East situation and the need to manage energy security. He expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation and declared the swift advancement of the “Half-Half” program with more benefits than the previous phase, promoting affordable goods distributed to every district.
15 Apr 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said at 14:25 at the Government House, in an interview regarding the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East. When asked if Thailand must continue to strictly cope with the situation, he said that the situation must be continuously monitored, and energy management must be conducted rigorously and cautiously. Although Thailand has not yet faced energy shortages, prices have been affected.
During Songkran, he followed up on the situation with the Minister of Energy, Mr. Aeknath Promphan, and noted that negotiations between the United States and Iran have not yet achieved their goals. Thailand is still able to control its situation but cannot be complacent because global circumstances can change overnight.
However, he thanked the public for their awareness in responding to the oil situation, noting that oil consumption has returned to normal levels and is no longer exceeding production capacity as it did during the initial panic. Diesel consumption in early April was lower than the same period last year due to public cooperation, resulting in increased oil reserves. As various crises ease, the government must manage the situation to ensure maximum stability.
When asked about Ms. Sirikanya Tonsakul, party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party (PChn), who opposed the Half-Half policy due to its mismatch with current conditions, the Prime Minister said, those who criticize must perform their roles, but the government’s duty is to solve problems and reduce public hardship. The government cannot change its approach because it prioritizes citizens’ well-being and assures that its actions comply with the law and constitution. As for methods or formats, it is impossible to make everyone understand the same way, and opposition criticism is normal.
The reporter further asked, "When will the “Half-Half Plus” program begin? And how much will each citizen receive?" The Prime Minister replied it would be as soon as possible. The government only resumed full administration on 10 April and has been working continuously. Policies will be accelerated into concrete action, such as the Half-Half Plus policy, which might be called Thai Help Thai. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, has already outlined the framework, which is expected to offer more benefits than the previous Half-Half phase. Measures include electricity subsidies for the first 200 units at no more than 3 baht per unit for all groups, with higher usage charged progressively, and expanded measures for Thai Help Thai to offer more affordable consumer goods through district offices nationwide, inviting stores to sell products to the public as widely as possible. When asked about
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, traveling to Oman and whether he was given any special instructions, the Prime Minister stated that he was sent to negotiate various matters, including assistance for Thai nationals in the region, especially in Iran. On the night of 14 April, Mr. Sihasak called to report on the situation. Thailand has received positive responses from Middle Eastern countries, and Mr. Sihasak will discuss logistics, trade, and conditions beneficial to Thailand.
