Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry is actively pushing for six strategic measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Thailand's trade and economy. Supajee Suthamphan, the Commerce Minister, revealed insights from a recent meeting that assessed the situation's implications for both regional and global trade, with a particular focus on the energy and maritime transport sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting took place on March 2, 2026, at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The assessment emphasized that while the direct impact on Thailand remains limited, there are significant concerns for the broader region due to disruptions in major shipping routes and fluctuating energy prices.
The Commerce Minister highlighted that in 2025, Thailand's exports to the Middle East were valued at US$12,475.58 million, accounting for 3.67% of the country's total exports. Currently, there is no substantial evidence of order cancellations or slowdowns. However, the regional instability has led to adjustments in shipping routes, increased freight rates, and logistics costs, creating challenges for Thai exporters.
The conflict's influence extends to global energy prices, which are expected to fluctuate, potentially affecting production and transportation costs over time. The Ministry of Commerce is closely monitoring these indirect impacts and has devised six proactive measures to address the situation:
1. Manage commodity prices and prevent price exploitation by monitoring consumer goods prices.
2. Diversify risk by sourcing raw materials and production factors from outside the affected region.
3. Support exporters with logistics management and market distribution advice.
4. Coordinate with shipping and logistics providers to ensure supply chain continuity.
5. Enhance the role of trade envoys to provide real-time updates on trade conditions and importer confidence.
6. Analyze the impact on inflation and price stability to make informed policy recommendations.
Ms. Supajee underscored the importance of the government working in tandem with relevant agencies and the private sector to ensure the stability of Thailand's economy and trade amidst global geopolitical uncertainties.