Mideast conflict threatens Thai growthFarmers and rice harvester operators wait in line at Phitsanulok fuel stations for up to 4-5 hours a day, while diesel purchases are capped at 500 baht per visit. Under a baseline scenario, the regulator assumes the conflict will subside in the first half of the year. Rising energy costs are expected to intensify cost pressures. The regulator is monitoring the extent to which businesses pass these higher costs on to consumers, with the overall impact depending on the duration of the conflict. "From the business sector's perspective, most operators remain reluctant to raise prices under current conditions and are attempting to absorb higher costs for now.

Source: Bangkok Post March 20, 2026 22:34 UTC