Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed that reducing fuel costs is a fundamental duty of the government rather than a seasonal gesture, while framing constitutional reform as a direct mandate from the public.
Speaking on April 6, 2026, during a press briefing following a special Cabinet meeting at Government House, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior addressed the escalating energy crisis. The administration is grappling with a surge in global oil and gas prices driven by intensifying conflict in the Middle East—a region that supplies approximately 50% of Thailand’s energy imports. The volatility has not only spiked fuel costs but has also inflated the price of derivatives such as plastic pellets and fertilizer.
Addressing the immediate financial burden on citizens, the Prime Minister dismissed the notion that cutting fuel prices by 6 baht was a “Songkran gift.” Instead, he emphasized that stabilizing energy costs is a core government responsibility. To combat the crisis, Anutin outlined a three-pronged strategy: reducing government spending to fund public relief measures, restructuring energy pricing, and implementing targeted support systems.
The move underscores the government’s struggle to balance domestic stability against global geopolitical shocks that threaten the national economy.
On the political front, the Prime Minister addressed criticisms regarding his administration’s stance on constitutional amendments. When questioned by members of Parliament about the absence of constitutional reform in his official policy platform, Anutin countered that such changes are not merely “policy” but are “orders from the people.” He stated that the government is committed to pushing these reforms through the appropriate mechanisms.
While the administration continues to push its 23 core policies, it faces scrutiny from political opponents. Korn Jirire Eucharist has criticized the government’s approach to fuel prices as a “stop-gap” measure, alleging that while refinery prices have dropped, those savings are not being fully passed on to consumers at the pump. Korn has called for a total overhaul of the pricing formula and a reduction in taxes to provide genuine relief.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing his gratitude to Parliament and reiterating his commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the government’s broader policy agenda.
