PM Anutin warns of worsening energy crisis

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today warned that the energy crisis could worsen if the conflict in the Middle East escalates, urging the Thai public to seriously conserve fuel.

He said securing energy supplies will become more difficult “as the conflict is likely to escalate and last for a long time.”

In a Facebook post, the prime minister called on members of the public to comply with the government’s work from home guideline and other energy-saving measures.

He said, though Thailand has a comparatively high level of oil reserve, it needs to take all necessary measures “to ensure that the people would be least affected.”

“It is now necessary for me to instruct all government agencies to strictly implement work-from-home arrangements and follow the other measures previously announced,” he said.

He went on to urge the public to help save energy.

“I ask for cooperation from the people and the private sector to comply with the energy-saving measures, including working from home or working from anywhere,” he said.

The prime minister also called for greater use of public transport and carpooling to help save energy.

He said his government may introduce additional energy-saving measures in the near future.

Anutin’s message came only hours before he is due to lead his new Cabinet for an oath-taking audience with HM the King this evening.

Right after the audience, Anutin will convene a special Cabinet meeting to discuss measures to address the ongoing energy crisis.