PM Anutin Addresses Flood Aid Delays, Confirms Adequate Oil Stocks
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed Thailand has sufficient oil reserves despite global price fluctuations and outlined policies promoting renewable energy adoption, including solar rooftop incentives. He also addressed flood compensation delays, explaining that verification per household is required for fairness, particularly in Bangkok where severe flooding is less common.
On October 24, 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul appeared on the NBT program "Talk with PM Anutin," which airs Saturdays at 9:05 AM. Regarding energy security, he stated that Thailand must prepare for energy transitions using domestic resources including natural gas, wind, and solar power. While overseas conflicts affect oil prices — an uncontrollable factor — domestic refined oil supplies remain adequate. Anutin confirmed oil stocks are sufficient to require stock management and even export considerations due to surplus, despite continued imports at previous volumes. He noted public cooperation in energy conservation and a shift toward electricity and renewables, including reduced gasoline engine use.
The government is promoting electric energy adoption with loan support for those switching from oil or natural gas to alternative and clean energy. On solar rooftop systems, Anutin said households can sell excess electricity back to the state grid, reducing bills and creating long-term income. This policy has drawn public interest and cooperation over the past year.
On flood relief, Anutin said compensation payments are now faster than the previous six-month wait, processed immediately when household eligibility and documentation are verified. Delays occur only when verifying qualifications per household — not per individual — to ensure fairness and prevent misuse, especially for disaster relief funds. Provincial areas have established verification systems through district chiefs, village heads, and local leaders. However, Bangkok's infrequent severe flooding requires additional checks on homeowners, tenants, cardholders, non-cardholders, foreigners, and those with varying legal statuses to ensure aid reaches genuine victims.
