The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East held a press briefing on 26 March 2026, addressing three key issues affecting the country: fuel prices, cost of living measures, and assistance to Thai nationals in the Middle East.

Speakers:
1.Pornchai Jirakulpaisan
Director of the Policy and Planning Office, Oil Fuel Fund Office
2. Kanitha Kangswanich
Inspector-General and Deputy Spokesperson, Ministry of Commerce
3. Panidone Pachimsawat
Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

*Fuel Prices
All retail fuel prices will rise by THB6 (~US$0.18) per liter effective 26 March, as ongoing US-Iran tensions have pushed Singapore diesel prices from US$198 to over US$242 per barrel. The Oil Fuel Fund, currently running a cumulative deficit of over THB35 billion (~US$1.06 billion), will continue targeted subsidies for diesel, gasohol E10, and E20 to keep prices manageable for the public.

*Cost of Living Measures
The Commerce Ministry has inspected 2,977 businesses across all 76 provinces between 5–25 March, citing 17 fuel stations in 11 provinces for pricing violations — all for failing to display prices as required by law. A further 385 complaints were received via hotline 1569 between 1–25 March, of which 152 have been investigated, resulting in 19 violations including unclear price displays, mismatched pricing, and overcharging. An additional 33 complaints of excessive pricing remain under active investigation, with authorities reviewing cost documentation and ready to pursue legal action where warranted.

To support rice farmers facing rising production costs, the Commerce Ministry is rolling out two key measures. First, a paddy absorption program launching 1 April in five major rice-producing provinces — Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng Phet, and Sukhothai — targeting 1 million tons of paddy rice, purchased through mills and cooperatives at THB300 (~US$9.10) per ton above market rate. Second, a series of paddy markets will run from March through May across multiple provinces, offering farmers additional sales channels and reducing transport costs, with purchase prices set THB200–400 (~US$6.07–US$12.13) per ton above market average.

On production costs, the "Green Flag Plus" fertilizer program will provide discounts of THB200 (~US$6.07) per bag for up to five bags, with additional benefits for holders of Din Dee cards and organic fertilizer discount coupons ahead of the upcoming main farming season. The public can report price gouging via hotline 1569, available 24 hours.

* Thai Nationals in the Middle East
A total of 1,499 Thais have been evacuated from conflict zones to date. Eight Thais — including students, families, and fishery workers — have successfully crossed from Iran into Türkiye and are expected back in Thailand on 28 March. Three Thai crew members aboard the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree remain unaccounted for, while the repatriation of the body of Mr. Chaiwat Waewnin, killed in Israel, has been delayed due to a flight cancellation. The Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv is working to arrange an alternative flight.

The government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of all Thai nationals affected by the conflict.