Abroad
Thailand orders govt officials to work from home, try to use stairs to save energy amid Middle East situation
They are also encouraged to wear short-sleeved shirts to work, and set air-conditioning temperatures higher.
March 10, 2026, 07:36 PM
To cope with rising energy prices and instability caused by the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, Thailand's Cabinet has ordered government officials to work from home and suspend overseas trips.
Effective immediately from Mar. 10, the civil servants will work fully from home until the situation stabilises, The Nation reported.
Agencies providing direct public services are exempted.
Officials at all levels must also temporarily suspend overseas trips unless they are considered highly essential.
Thailand's energy minister said that the country currently does not face a fuel crisis, The Bangkok Post reported.
These are precautionary orders aimed at cushioning the impact of the Middle East war on fuel security in Thailand, the deputy government spokesperson explained.
The ongoing war has triggered the largest global oil supply disruption in history, according to an analysis cited by CNBC.
Other measures
The Thai Cabinet has proposed other energy-saving measures for government agencies, which they hope can set an example for other sectors.
They include setting air-conditioning temperatures at 26 to 27 degrees Celsius, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and using the stairs over elevators for short distances.
Officials are also encouraged to wear short-sleeved shirts instead of suits and ties at work, except during ceremonies.
If the crisis worsens, the government might consider further steps such as dimming the lighting on billboards and closing some petrol stations from 10pm, the government spokesperson said.
Similar measures in Vietnam
Vietnam has made similar efforts to deal with the global energy crunch.
As the country is heavily reliant on energy imports from the Middle East, Vietnam has been among the countries hardest hit by the disruptions, according to a Mar. 10 statement from the government cited by Reuters.
Its trade ministry has encouraged local businesses to adopt work-from-home arrangements when possible to reduce the need for travel and transportation.
The ministry also reminded the public not to hoard or speculate on fuel, after long queues formed at petrol stations in Hanoi on Mar. 10.
Top images from Canva
