14 Thai civil society organisations have called on newly re-elected Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to urgently address the fuel crisis, criticising the PM for mishandling the issue, which has driven up the overall cost of living in the country.

A network of 14 civil society organisations gathered at Government House on Monday (23 March) to submit a letter demanding that the new government take urgent action on rising fuel prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Thailand is among the countries affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route which handles roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Importantly, around 60% of Thailand’s crude oil imports transit through the Strait.

In recent weeks, Thai people have queued up at gas stations across the country to fill up their vehicles; some were seen carrying containers to stockpile fuel. Some gas stations even limited the amount of fuel that could be purchased to prevent shortages. This behaviour is motivated by public concerns over fluctuations in fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict.

Most importantly, the rising fuel price has also contributed to the rising cost of living.

The representatives called on the government to abolish excise taxes on fuel, reduce refinery margins and cap LPG prices. The network also urged the government to cut the electricity tariff from 3 baht per unit in line with election campaign promises.

The new government was also urged to control the prices of essential consumer goods.

The network revealed that the current cost of living has further highlighted social inequality. While the prices of consumer goods continued to rise, incomes could not keep pace, leaving most people unable to afford necessities or to adapt in time to such rapid economic changes.

The network reiterated that it was the government’s responsibility to urgently implement measures to alleviate public hardship amid the cost-of-living crisis and global uncertainty, warning that even a single day’s delay in decision-making could result in rising debt burdens and a decline in the quality of life for many people. 

At the same time, Senator Patima Jeerapaet raised the issue during a Senate session on the same day, urging the Commerce Ministry to control prices of consumer goods, as the crisis was no longer affected energy alone but all types of goods.

Patima added that the Senate should help people find a solution to this crisis. He believed that encouraging each household to grow their own vegetables, raise at least two chickens, and farm fish would be a viable long-term solution for sustainable livelihoods. His remark later sparked backlash from the general public.

On 19 March, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin was re-elected by MPs with 293 votes to be the new PM, defeating his sole challenger, the progressive People's Party PM candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who received 119 votes.

Anutin’s second term began amid the economic downturn and geopolitical tensions. The current energy and cost-of-living crisis due to the Iran war was seen as an early test of his administration’s ability to steer the country through a critical moment.

The list of cabinet members has yet to be officially announced, but the position of the Energy Minister is being closely monitored.