Anutin announced the Cabinet's approval of a 400 billion baht loan decree aimed at resolving the energy crisis and supporting the public’s cost of living amidst global volatility. He pledged to do everything possible to resolve issues and help the people overcome this crisis.
At 12:00 noon on 5 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced the Cabinet meeting’s resolution today, stating that he and the Cabinet wish to inform everyone about the government’s decision regarding the Cabinet’s resolution to issue a royal decree empowering the Ministry of Finance to borrow funds to address the impacts of the energy crisis and the country's energy transition. This decree will hereafter be referred to in brief as the Loan Decree.
This decision stems from conflicts in the Middle East affecting energy and economic activities worldwide, causing energy prices to cascade into food prices and putting pressure on the public’s cost of living. This is neither a normal situation nor one that can be postponed. The government’s duty is to prevent the Thai economy from entering a stagflation phase — high inflation combined with economic slowdown — which requires immediate action. Therefore, the government must use a special instrument by issuing this decree under clear legal principles as an urgent emergency case that cannot be avoided.
The Prime Minister further said, this decree’s clear objective is to alleviate the public’s cost of living and sustain economic activities without disruption, accelerate restructuring the country’s energy sector to reduce vulnerability, and address national challenges. The measures under this decree will target key groups needing urgent assistance: low- and middle-income citizens, farmers, small entrepreneurs, and businesses directly impacted by rising energy costs. It will reduce living expenses alongside production costs, especially in agriculture, by providing necessary fertilizers and production inputs.
Another project funded by the loan is restructuring for transitioning to a modern energy era by shifting the country’s energy use, reducing fossil fuel production to ensure Thailand has stable, competitive energy costs and is no longer subject to past volatility. It will also develop human resources by upskilling and reskilling the production sector to enhance competitiveness amid changing conditions.
Mr. Anutin added, this decree will serve as a tool to help Thailand navigate the crisis and reduce future economic risks while maintaining strict fiscal discipline. Although this solution will not eliminate global problems and crises, it will empower Thai people to better cope with challenges and help protect those with capacity to get through this crisis. It will strengthen Thailand’s readiness to face upcoming problems.
In closing, the Prime Minister said, the Cabinet is very pleased to meet the public to demonstrate its commitment and determination to stand alongside the people in resolving issues arising from current global volatility. The government will do everything within its power to solve these problems and help the people overcome this crisis together. For further details, please listen to Mr. Anek Niti Prasong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
