The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East held a press briefing on 24 March 2026 at 11.05 hr to report the latest oil situation and electricity management in Thailand, as well as efforts to control prices of more essential goods and ensure the safety of Thai nationals overseas.

Concerning the oil situation, Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, stated that the overall situation is beginning to improve, particularly in the distribution of oil to wholesalers or jobbers, which will reduce congestion at fuel stations. Within the next 1-2 days, more fuel will be distributed to the industrial sector. The Government is also developing a dashboard system showing data from refineries, depots, jobbers, and service stations. The system will enable the public to monitor distribution and detect possible hoarding. 

Thailand currently exports oil only to Lao PDR and Myanmar, totaling no more than 5 million liters per day – about over 4 million liters to Lao PDR and 300,000 liters to Myanmar. There are no exports to third countries, contrary to rumors. Exports to Laos remain necessary for energy cooperation, particularly hydropower imports, while exports to Myanmar support natural gas drilling platforms, with the gas later supplied to Thailand for electricity generation.

Regarding electricity generation, Mr. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission and spokesperson for the Energy Regulatory Commission, explained that Thailand’s electricity generation structure in 2026 relies mainly on natural gas (56%), followed by hydropower (12%), coal (21%), and renewable energy (10%).

Thailand’s gas supply comes from the Gulf of Thailand (50%), Myanmar via pipeline (10%), and LNG imports (40%), highlighting LNG’s importance for energy security. The Energy Regulatory Commission ensures sufficient LNG procurement through 70 percent long-term contracts (Term LNG) and 30 percent spot purchases (Spot LNG) to maintain flexibility in balancing supply and demand. During the crisis, procurement plans were reviewed and three additional Spot LNG cargoes for March–April were planned. Two cargoes for April have already been secured, while the third is currently unnecessary. LNG inventories remain high and sufficient.

Speaking on how the Ministry of Commerce will manage consumer prices, Mr. Korani Nonjui, Inspector-General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, explained that discussions with wholesalers, retailers, modern trade operators, suppliers, major manufacturers, and trade associations were held to implement the “Thai Helping Thai” initiative.

Under this initiative, essential goods will be produced as house brands and fighting brands, including rice, instant noodles, canned food, cooking oil, fish sauce, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and toothpaste. Major manufacturers will distribute these goods nationwide through wholesale and retail chains, modern trade outlets, convenience stores, and retail networks in all 77 provinces. The project is expected to be carried out between April and May.

The ministry will propose to the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services an expansion of price-controlled items, such as plastic pellets and bottled drinking water. It will also continue the “Blue Flag” project from March to August to distribute affordable goods nationwide, and the “Green Flag Plus” project from May to July to reduce fertilizer costs for farmers growing rice, maize, cassava, and oil palm.

Concerning progress made in assisting Thai nationals, Mr. Panidol Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that, in the case of one Thai worker in Israel who died from shrapnel injuries, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv is coordinating with relevant agencies and El Al Airlines, and the remains are expected to arrive in Thailand on the morning of 26 March 2026.

For Iran and Türkiye, four Thai fishing workers from Bandar Abbas have safely crossed into Türkiye and will return to Thailand in 25 March. Additionally, seven Thai students and one fishing worker, totaling eight people, are scheduled to travel from Iran to Türkiye on 25 March.

Thailand has also requested cooperation from relevant parties regarding the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and some Thai vessels have already departed high-risk areas safely. On 23 March, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a telephone discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, thanking Saudi Arabia for facilitating the transit of Thai nationals returning through the country and exchanging views on the Middle East situation. Both sides agreed on the need to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means and respect for international law.