The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) has introduced measures to mitigate shortages of pharmaceutical raw materials and packaging, exacerbated by the ongoing oil crisis. This initiative aims to maintain a steady supply of essential medical products despite rising costs. As part of the strategy, the Thai FDA has established fast-track channels for manufacturers to change sources of raw materials and packaging.

Get today's headlines by email

The backdrop to these measures is the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil prices, which has escalated production and transportation costs. This has particularly affected the supply of plastic pellets crucial for medicine packaging. Additionally, the Commerce Ministry is set to propose adding plastic pellets and bottled drinking water to the controlled products list, requiring manufacturers to obtain permission for price increases.

Supatra Boonserm of the Thai FDA emphasized that any alterations in packaging will not compromise the quality of medicines. In response to the crisis, the agency is also promoting alternative and herbal medicines for critical treatments as a temporary solution. Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry's inspector-general, Nikorn Nonjui, noted that many businesses have sufficient inventory and no grounds to hike prices.

Looking ahead, the Thai government is planning measures to cushion consumers from potential price surges. The Commerce Ministry intends to conduct "Blue Flag" sales from March to August, ensuring affordable access to essentials. Moreover, tighter price controls will be proposed, requiring manufacturers to seek ministry approval before increasing prices on essential goods, reported Thai PBS.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 24 Mar 2026

View full article

Why announce all these things. It will make people feel uncertain and hoarding will be the result... Stop please with this kind of news, as every country in the whole world is facing the same problems for plastics.

The less attention you give it, the better it is... It is just unavoidable that prices will rise