The Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has confirmed that Russia is ready to sell oil to Thailand, as the government seeks to secure additional energy sources amid ongoing global uncertainty. The move comes as Thailand maintains oil reserves sufficient for 96 days but faces risks linked to continuing conflict. The effort aims to strengthen energy security and ensure stable fuel supplies.

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The minister made the remarks while in Vienna, Austria, to attend the Global Fraud Summit at the Vienna International Centre on March 16–17, 2026. He said the government, under the direction of the Prime Minister, is actively exploring alternative suppliers due to the unpredictable nature of the fighting. Thailand has already contacted several countries, including Russia, Brazil, Nigeria and Kazakhstan, to assess potential oil supply options.

Sihasak also noted that the United States had relaxed certain sanctions, allowing vessels departing ports to sell oil to other countries, potentially widening supply channels. However, he stressed that any agreements would require further detailed discussions by relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Energy, before being finalised. The approach reflects a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on any single provider.

In parallel, the minister addressed efforts to assist three remaining Thai crew members stranded on the “Mayuree Naree”. He said he had spoken with Iran’s foreign minister, who expressed condolences over the incident and pledged to coordinate with the Iranian navy in the search. However, assistance remains dependent on the evolving security situation, as fighting continues in the region.

Thailand has also coordinated with Oman to liaise with Iranian authorities and instructed the Royal Thai Navy to establish direct contact. Additionally, Sihasak held discussions with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, both affected by the conflict, to express concern and reaffirm Thailand’s position. He emphasised that Thailand supports peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes the use of violence.

The minister added that several countries, including the UAE, had assisted in facilitating the return of Thai nationals via Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Others in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar have largely travelled through Saudi Arabia, though safety concerns persist. Thailand has indicated it will continue efforts to assist any citizens wishing to return home.

The Nation reported that further negotiations with potential oil suppliers are expected, alongside continued diplomatic engagement to support Thai nationals abroad. The government will rely on detailed assessments by energy authorities before making final decisions on new supply agreements.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 18 Mar 2026

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It’s honestly staggering that Thailand would even entertain the idea of buying Russian oil under the current circumstances.

The global ban on Russian crude exists for a reason: it’s a direct response to an unprovoked invasion, mass civilian suffering, and ongoing violations of international law.

To suggest that circumventing this, whether through loopholes, waivers, or “alternative supply strategies”, is somehow acceptable is morally insensitive at best and outright complicit at worst!

What makes this even more galling is the government’s simultaneous claim that “... Thailand supports peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes the use of violence... ”.

Those words ring pretty hollow when paired with actions that would funnel money into the very regime responsible for undermining sovereignty and using violence as state policy.

You can’t credibly champion peace while financially rewarding the aggressor.

If Thailand wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, especially in matters of peace, human rights, and international norms then it needs to walk the talk with its stated principles.

Buying Russian oil does the exact opposite!

Finally some common sence.

Thailand should welcome Russian energy.

I gladly pay more to get Russian diesel.

Only Thai citizens with the appropriate ID should be allowed to buy fuel for cars and trucks until this emergency ends.

At least Thailand has a very good chance of receiving Russian oil and gas,when the Europeans come begging for some Putin is likely to tell them exactly where to go !

India will continue to buy Russian energy as will China just those 2 alone are more than enough..cutting your nose off to spite your face (blowing up Nordstream)

is not very clever is it ?

11 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s honestly staggering that Thailand would even entertain the idea of buying Russian oil under the current circumstances.

The global ban on Russian crude exists for a reason: it’s a direct response to an unprovoked invasion, mass civilian suffering, and ongoing violations of international law.

To suggest that circumventing this, whether through loopholes, waivers, or “alternative supply strategies”, is somehow acceptable is morally insensitive at best and outright complicit at worst!

What makes this even more galling is the government’s simultaneous claim that “... Thailand supports peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes the use of violence... ”.

Those words ring pretty hollow when paired with actions that would funnel money into the very regime responsible for undermining sovereignty and using violence as state policy.

You can’t credibly champion peace while financially rewarding the aggressor.

If Thailand wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, especially in matters of peace, human rights, and international norms then it needs to walk the talk with its stated principles.

Buying Russian oil does the exact opposite!

What's staggering is that some would expect that the Thai Goverment would rather appease certain countries and opinions while watching their people go without. I think they understand that keeping a supply of energy coming in keeps the wolf away from the door. At some point one doesn't really care where that energy comes from as long as it comes. And by the way, some countries may not agree with your opinions about Russia's “unprovoked invasion” of Ukraine. Neither do I.

11 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s honestly staggering that Thailand would even entertain the idea of buying Russian oil under the current circumstances.

The global ban on Russian crude exists for a reason: it’s a direct response to an unprovoked invasion, mass civilian suffering, and ongoing violations of international law.

Thailand should put its own citizens first. If none of the other suppliers can meet requirements Russian oil should be bought.

44 minutes ago, johng said:

At least Thailand has a very good chance of receiving Russian oil and gas,when the Europeans come begging for some Putin is likely to tell them exactly where to go !

Agreed. The Europeans are unlikely to get Russian energy without significant strings attached.

49 minutes ago, johng said:

At least Thailand has a very good chance of receiving Russian oil and gas,when the Europeans come begging for some Putin is likely to tell them exactly where to go !

India will continue to buy Russian energy as will China just those 2 alone are more than enough..cutting your nose off to spite your face (blowing up Nordstream)

is not very clever is it ?

Nordstream?

Wasn't he in Poice Squad with Frank Dribble?🙃🙃

13 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s honestly staggering that Thailand would even entertain the idea of buying Russian oil under the current circumstances.

The global ban on Russian crude exists for a reason: it’s a direct response to an unprovoked invasion, mass civilian suffering, and ongoing violations of international law.

To suggest that circumventing this, whether through loopholes, waivers, or “alternative supply strategies”, is somehow acceptable is morally insensitive at best and outright complicit at worst!

What makes this even more galling is the government’s simultaneous claim that “... Thailand supports peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes the use of violence... ”.

Those words ring pretty hollow when paired with actions that would funnel money into the very regime responsible for undermining sovereignty and using violence as state policy.

You can’t credibly champion peace while financially rewarding the aggressor.

If Thailand wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, especially in matters of peace, human rights, and international norms then it needs to walk the talk with its stated principles.

Buying Russian oil does the exact opposite!

There has never been a global ban on Russian Crude

February 2026

Crude oil: China has bought 48% of Russia’s crude exports, followed by India (37%), Turkiye (6%), and the EU (6%).

https://energyandcleanair.org/february-2026-monthly-analysis-of-russian-fossil-fuel-exports-and-sanctions/

Total US imports from Russia rose nearly 30% in 2025, on track to reach close to $5 billion by year's end, driven primarily by fertilizers and specialty metals

https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/security/fertilisers-food-security-and-foreign-policy

It seems its not okay to import Russian crude but it is okay to import fertilizers and specialty metals

Lecturing Thailand on what imports it should accept from Russia while USA imports Russian commodities it has problems sourcing is daft

On 3/18/2026 at 4:28 PM, BeastOfBodmin said:

Thailand should put its own citizens first. If none of the other suppliers can meet requirements Russian oil should be bought.

The only way to put Thai citizens first is to make foreigners last. Fuel should be sold only to Thai citizens with the appropriate identification.

And this is why Russians are better than americans. Russia needs to include a clause to deport all Ukrainians before they send over a single barrel of oil.