Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has created better understanding of the Government’s directions for energy management at the "Meet the Press" forum, held on 28 March 2026 at Santi Maitri Building. Government House, under the theme "One Month of Global Crisis: Thailand's Response Plan in a Changed World."

Speaking at the forum, the Prime Minister apologized to the public for the turmoil caused by oil price management during the first half of March, following the Middle East conflict. He said that the Government had intended to stabilize prices, as it expected that the situation would be brief. 

When the situation developed further, the Government decided to adjust its directions to ease impacts of the situation on Thailand. Emphasis is placed on easing the cost of living for the people and the hardships of low-income earners, farmers, the transport sector, the fishing sector, and industrial operators.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Government’s decision to end the oil price freeze had clearly reduced hoarding. However, the Government has not adopted full price liberalization, as it still subsidizes oil prices through the Oil Fund. Allowing prices to float to a certain extent has discouraged oil smuggling to neighboring countries for profit, resulting in sufficient volumes for domestic consumption at appropriate rates. 

He said that, currently, Thailand consumes 82 million liters of oil daily, compared with 67 million liters before 1 March. If consumption returns to the normal level, the country’s energy situation will improve and life will go back to normal. For the time being, oil shortages at petrol stations in some areas are also starting to ease.

The Prime Minister urged the public not to panic, saying that oil supplies are enough for domestic consumption and oil prices in Thailand remain lower than in many countries in ASEAN. He also called for cooperation from the media and all sectors in providing accurate information to the public and in helping prevent hoarding and exploitation for profit.

He stressed that the Government would take strict legal action against wrongdoers, while stepping up energy-saving campaigns. The Ministry of Commerce has also increased the number of “controlled goods” and launched several measures to ease the impact of rising costs, such as the “Thai Help Thai: Reduce Burden, Lower Cost of Living” campaign.

He added that, after the new government is formed soon, it will have full authority to implement policies and budget allocations to address the current situation.