As the war against Iran is felt economically in Thailand, it’s time to rethink what needs to be done

2026-03-19 - 10:30

The psychological irony of telling the public not to worry about Thailand running out of petrol and other forms of energy—due to the ongoing, unjust war by Israel and the United States against Iran—is that people feel even more uncertain and panicked by the ‘reassurance.’ By simply following the news, they can conclude that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively choking global fuel supplies due to the conflict and, by extension, the world economy. ​Whether you like it or not, and regardless of which side you root for in the Middle East, the global economic impact is undeniable and increasingly reverberating around the world. This includes Thailand, where several provinces report long queues at petrol stations and acute fuel shortages. ​On Thursday, for example, long queues continued at petrol stations in Yasothon province as fuel shortages persisted, particularly for diesel, despite a recent price increase. ​Reporters surveying several locations in the Northeast found that many stations had run out of diesel and were forced to display signs showing “out of diesel” and “temporarily closed,” even after prices rose by 0.50–1 baht per litre, effective today. ​“Motorists were seen driving from station to station in search of fuel, while long lines of vehicles extended onto nearby roads at stations that remained open,” we reported this morning. “At one station in Yasothon, large numbers of drivers began queuing from early morning. Several stations were later forced to shut in the afternoon after running out of stock, particularly diesel, which remains in high demand. Some stations have introduced rationing measures, limiting purchases to no more than 500 baht per vehicle in an effort to distribute fuel more evenly.” ​That is not all. Five major household goods producers in Thailand have also warned of across-the-board price increases starting next month, as Middle East tensions drive up oil, raw material, and transport costs. ​“Retail sources say current stock at old prices may last only until April. After that, higher prices are likely,” we also reported today. Companies including Nestlé, F&N, Unilever, Saha Pathanapibul, and BJC have all alerted partners to possible supply disruptions, rising costs, and the need to stock up in advance. While some firms are increasing inventory and adjusting logistics, they say the situation remains uncertain, with no clear end in sight. The bottom line: expect higher prices and tighter supplies of everyday goods in the coming weeks. ​As for the Thai tourism industry, as many as 1,000 flights from the Middle East have been cancelled so far, and we are not even three weeks into the conflict. ​Globally speaking, Reuters reported on Wednesday that “the UN warns up to 45 million more people could face severe hunger in 2026 if the Iran war continues and oil prices stay high.” ​Despite this bleak news, it is notable that more major countries which are allies of the US are now saying “no” to US President Donald Trump. When Trump requested that allied nations—chiefly those in Europe, but also Japan, South Korea, and Australia—join the US in the conflict by securing the Strait of Hormuz militarily, these countries rejected the move. With varying levels of diplomatic politeness, they made it clear that this is not their war and they do not wish to risk the lives of their soldiers for a conflict they are not convinced is necessary. Trump’s attempt to drag more nations into the conflict, to shoulder the burden of his aggression, and, in effect, widen the war and make a bigger mess fell flat after there were no takers. ​It is not Thailand’s war either, but we must act as a responsible member of the international community and voice our opposition to the continuation of this senseless and illegitimate violence. This war is killing not just soldiers but civilians on all sides involved and, as the UN has stated, is now putting 45 million vulnerable people at risk of “severe hunger.” ​To this end, the Thai government should urge ASEAN to form a more cogent and united stance against the war, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Blame Israel and the US all you want; blame Iran if you are so inclined; or blame well-connected Thai businesses allegedly receiving priority access to fuel if such claims can be proven. But try not to blame the petrol station staff, who are merely doing their jobs, as you wait for hours in a queue to fill your car. Government emergency measures aside, we must all do our part to conserve energy, recognising that we are part of the same society. Acting out of pure self-interest—hoarding fuel in a panic—risks triggering a wider crisis, not unlike a stock market sell-off or even a stadium stampede. Paradoxically, the more the government urges calm, the more unease spreads. Moments like this reveal a deeper question: will people act out of self-interest, or with a sense of responsibility to others? Cutting back on unnecessary car use—especially when driving alone—is a simple place to start. ​If you can save electricity—and in reality, virtually everyone can—you should start. Even Donald Trump does not know how or when this unjust war involving the United States and Israel against Iran—and Iran’s retaliation—will end. ​For those Thais who think they do not care about the war, you now have a direct incentive to call for peace. Trump and Netanyahu may not want to listen, but a louder, collective voice from around the world will eventually make them think twice.