Members of a labour network have gathered in front of the Labour Ministry, calling on the government to address the cost-of-living and energy crisis.

Citizens and members of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee, together with the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) and the Thai Social Democratic Party (TSDP), gathered at the Labour Ministry on Thursday (2 April) calling on the new government to implement urgent measures to address rising fuel prices and the cost-of-living crisis.

The protest stemmed from the sharp rise in fuel prices in the country following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. For Thailand, around 60% of crude oil imports transit through the Strait.

Sawit Kaewwan of the SERC and leader of the TSDP questioned whether the government had taken advantage of the situation to benefit capitalist groups, citing its failure to control steadily increasing fuel prices.

The latest report on Thursday (2 April) stated that diesel prices would rise by another 3.50 baht, to 47.7 baht per litre on Friday (3 April). On Thursday night, it was reported dozens of vehicles lining up at gas stations to fill up before the price increase the next day.

Sawit called on the government to urgently address the crisis, particularly as the Songkran festival is approaching. Sawit urged the government to take action in line with its election campaign promises.

According to the network’s statement, rising consumer goods prices driven by the fuel crisis have placed a burden on the general public. Purchasing power is declining as incomes fail to keep pace, leading to widening economic inequality. At the same time, the government was criticised for focusing solely on political power struggles rather than improving people’s economic well-being.

The network urged the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to recognise the hardship to the public, reduce inequality, and build a more equitable society. The network outlined seven demands:

1. control energy prices and prevent domestic fuel shortages;
2. halt state-owned enterprise reforms and ensure that the PTT petroleum company and refinery businesses are run exclusively by the state for the benefit of the general public.
3. disclose to the public domestic production figures and the proportion of imported fuel;
4. investigate and prosecute oil refineries which have stockpiled fuel, including those that have increased prices despite relying on an existing stock;
5. invoke the PM’s special emergency powers to control fuel prices and ensure fair access for the general public;
6. control the price of consumer goods;
7. terminate contracts requiring the government to purchase expensive electricity from private companies.

The participants then marched to Government House to submit the seven demands to the PM.