Thailand Acts on Middle East Impact: Fuel Prices, Songkran Travel & Cost-of-Living Relief

The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East held a press briefing on 1 April 2026, addressing four key issues affecting the Thailand: updates on the fuel prices, the situation in the Middle East, the bus fare and travel during Songkran holiday, and the THAI HELPS THAI initiative.

Panel members:
• Nuttaa Mahattana, Spokesperson, Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East 
• Titipat Thaijongrak, Director, Automotive Engineering Bureau & Spokesperson, Department of Land Transport
• Nantaphong Jiralertpong, Director, Office of Trade Policy and Strategy & Spokesperson, Ministry of Commerce
• Panidone Pachimwat, Acting Director-General, Department of Information & Deputy Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Veerapat Kiattfuengfoo, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy

⛽ FUEL PRICES UPDATE  
The Oil Fund Committee is finalizing fuel price figures and expects to announce the official numbers by 8:00 PM on 1 April, pending final data from Singapore. The public is urged to ignore fake news circulating in LINE groups claiming specific price hike figures — no official numbers have been confirmed yet. Track real-time fuel availability at stations near you via the Fuel-Now app.

⚡ MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
Tensions remain elevated. Iran's IRGC has announced plans to target US-linked companies in the region starting 1 April, while Iran is also pushing legislation to impose transit fees and bar vessels from sanctioning countries through the Strait of Hormuz. On the diplomacy front, the US President indicated combat operations could wind down within 2–3 weeks, and China-Pakistan have jointly proposed a 5-point peace plan to protect maritime navigation. Thailand reaffirms its position calling on all parties to return to diplomatic processes as swiftly as possible.

🚌 BUS FARES & SONGKRAN TRAVEL
Intercity bus fares will increase by TH฿5 per seat per 100 km, and minivan fares by TH฿2 per 100 km, effective 6 April. However, to ease the burden on Songkran travelers, the Transport Co., Ltd. or BKS buses and affiliated services will hold current fares from 6-19 April. New rates take effect after 19 April. A freight transport cost index tied to diesel prices has also been introduced to ensure fair pricing between shippers and operators.

🛍️ "THAI HELPS THAI" PROJECT LAUNCH 
The Prime Minister on 1 April officially launched the "Thai Helps Thai" campaign to help reduce the cost of living. House Brand daily essentials — including soap, shampoo, rice, soybean oil, and palm oil — are being offered at 30–50% off. Examples:
🧴 400ml Shampoo: TH฿165 → TH฿79 (52% off)
🍚 5kg White Rice (35%): TH฿155 → TH฿79 (49% off)

Available at Makro, Lotus's, 7-Eleven, BigC, Go Wholesale, Tops, Tops Daily, Watsons, Foodland, and Gourmet Market. Look for the campaign signage in-store. Phase 1 runs April–May, with community products joining in Phase 2.

📞 For more info, call the Ministry of Commerce hotline: 1570.