Thai PM calls special Cabinet meeting over fuel crisis

2026-03-26 - 04:31

BANGKOK — 26 March 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called a special Cabinet meeting at 11:00 on Thursday at Government House to address a worsening energy crisis, after fuel prices surged by 6 baht per litre in a single increase. The move followed a resolution by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee to adjust subsidies for diesel and petrol, resulting in a nationwide rise in retail fuel prices effective 26 March. Officials said the sharp increase was intended to tackle fuel hoarding and smuggling, as domestic prices had previously been lower than in neighbouring countries, encouraging illegal exports. The adjustment is also aimed at reflecting market mechanisms more accurately. Authorities are expected to introduce support measures for vulnerable groups in the near future. At 10:10, Anutin arrived at Government House driving a grey BYD Sealion 7 with a Bangkok licence plate, marking the second consecutive day he had driven himself to work. When questioned by reporters about the fuel price hike, he did not respond, instead greeting the media before entering the Thai Khu Fah building. Shortly afterwards, several ministers and senior officials attended the meeting, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyan Chidchob, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Pharadorn Prisananantakul, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council Danucha Pichayanan, and Secretary-General of the Council of State Pakorn Nilprapunt.