Thailand weighs cost-of-living aid as oil prices rise

Thailand's government says it is assessing rising energy costs and their wider effect on household spending, transport and consumer prices before deciding on further cost-of-living measures.

Lalida Periswiwatthana, deputy government spokesperson, said on 21 September 2026 that officials were closely monitoring energy prices and their impact on the public. Any response, she said, must consider energy costs, freight charges, retail prices, purchasing power and the country's fiscal position together.

Oil costs affect more than drivers

The government said higher oil prices do not affect only motorists. They also feed into transport charges, agriculture, manufacturing and the prices of everyday goods.

"The price of oil affects people through many channels, while there are many types of tools for managing the cost of living," Lalida said. "Each measure helps different groups and has different effects on the economy, so the government must consider every aspect before deciding which measure to use."

Thai Chuay Thai Plus expansion planned

The government is currently planning to extend the Thai Chuay Thai Plus co-payment scheme. According to Lalida, its aims are to ease living costs, support purchasing power, assist vulnerable groups and help money circulate among small businesses.

The 60/40 scheme also continues to cover participating public transport services. The government said these initiatives were designed to support people and the grassroots economy, rather than being measures aimed solely at energy prices.

Lalida said policy decisions should not be framed simply as a choice between cutting oil prices and supporting purchasing power. Instead, ministers must identify where the problem lies, which groups are affected and which option offers the best value for public money.

Loan balance must be checked

The government also addressed claims that around 50 billion baht in borrowing capacity remains. Lalida said its status must first be verified, as it may refer to funds not yet allocated, funds already subject to commitments, or money that could be reconsidered.

Each category has different accounting and legal conditions, she said.

The administration said it would not begin by asking how much money remained and what it could be spent on. It would first consider what difficulties people were facing, then choose the most targeted tool.

"Borrowing limits permitted by law are not money the government has to use up," the spokesperson said. "Every baht borrowed must have a reason, be necessary, worthwhile and open to scrutiny."

Lalida reiterated that the government intended to balance public assistance with fiscal discipline, so that support measures matched the problem and reached different groups appropriately.

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22 September 2026