Thailand Braces for US-Iran Conflict Impact on Energy, Food

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul answered reporters' questions after multiple countries advised their citizens to stockpile food, stating the public should be aware but not alarmed. He affirmed Thailand already maintains food security across agriculture, agricultural output, raw materials, and food access. On the possibility of renewed U.S. military operations against Iran driving up energy prices, the premier confirmed reserve energy sources have been prepared in advance. The prime minister reassured the public on both food access and potential future energy issues. Regarding the risk of renewed heavy fighting in the Middle East, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Seh Hak Phuangketkaew ordered close monitoring because Thai nationals are present in the conflict zone. Seh Hak said he has coordinated with the Thai military; if necessary, preparations will be made to evacuate Thais. Thais in countries that have issued food-stockpiling advisories should follow those nations' warnings. Thai embassies must await official alerts from each host government and relay them to Thai citizens so they can prepare accordingly. Seh Hak affirmed Thailand is ready; if a situation arises, Thais must evacuate to safety, as was done during previous conflicts. The global trend of governments urging citizens to stockpile food, water, and essentials stems mainly from climate-change-driven natural disasters growing more severe and frequent. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, also affect energy prices, transport, and food security. Thailand cannot avoid these impacts, so preparedness plans are essential, as the premier and deputy premier have initially pledged. During the first round of fighting in February 2024, Thailand was heavily affected. The hope is that if the situation escalates this time, the government will manage the fallout better, especially on energy, by maintaining adequate reserves.