In a time of high prices and the impact of fluctuating oil prices, transportation, logistics, and consumer goods prices have all skyrocketed.

The majority of Thai people have been severely affected, with increased expenses, especially for transportation such as local taxis, motorcycle taxis, and other hired vehicles, which have seen rapid price increases.

Therefore, the government must urgently implement measures to address the potential for a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. These measures include cutting outstanding budgets of government agencies, cutting funding for new infrastructure projects over the past 2-3 years, and delaying infrastructure projects to free up funds to assist the Thai people.

Measures to alleviate the cost of living for vulnerable groups: Through the State Welfare Card, 13.22 million people will receive an increased allowance for purchasing consumer goods from 300 baht to 400 baht per month (for a period of one month, from April 13, 2026 to May 12, 2026).

Reducing the energy burden. (Tax Reduction/Subsidies): The Cabinet approved a reduction in excise tax on fuel and a 42-day fuel subsidy measure for the transportation sector (from April 20th to May 31st, 2026), totaling over 2,061 million baht, for trucks, public buses, and taxis.

Agricultural Sector: A 30,000 million baht loan program with low interest rates to reduce production costs for farmers.

Economic Stimulus/SME Measures: Launch of "Half-Half Plus" (or Thai Help Thai Plus) and injecting liquidity into SMEs through low-interest loans (Soft Loans) totaling over 100,000 million baht, such as GSB's Thai Business Revitalization Program: to help adapt to technology/the environment; SME Green Productivity: 3% interest per year for the first 3 years; EXIM Support Plus: working capital for exporters with 4% interest per year.

And housing measures (early 2026): supporting the purchase of affordable homes and rental housing. This includes easing restrictions on housing loans.

In addition, the government is looking for increased revenue. There are rumors that the value-added tax (VAT) may be increased from 7% to 10% to boost national revenue. However, this will burden Thai people significantly, as the prices of goods and services will rise immediately, severely impacting their livelihoods.

This is followed by the issuance of an emergency decree to borrow 500 billion baht. Currently, Thailand has a debt ceiling of 70%. If the government borrows more, the ceiling will rise to 75%, requiring careful consideration of how this borrowed money is used.

Therefore, if the Middle East conflict drags on, the government will have to urgently find measures to mitigate the rising cost of living, including high fuel prices and increasing daily expenses.

In reality, if the economic slowdown continues for another 1-2 years, Thai people will have to rely on themselves, empowering themselves and their families to overcome the various obstacles today and in the future.