The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a sharp increase in energy prices — natural gas indices have risen by 90%, while oil prices are up by 30%. Thailand is among the region's most vulnerable countries to an oil shock, with the risk potentially reducing household income by 3-4%, according to the World Bank. The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a sharp increase in energy prices -- natural gas indices have risen by 90%, while oil prices are up by 30% in the immediate aftermath. "If global oil prices remain about 50% higher for a sustained period, real labour incomes across the region could decline by 3-4%. A 30% or US$20 increase in crude oil prices would raise inflation in Thailand by 0.67 percentage points after six months.

Source: Bangkok Post April 08, 2026 23:05 UTC