Developments – March 11, 2026
TCC Official Statement: Monitoring the Impacts of the Middle East Conflict on Thai Businesses & 8 Strategic Guidelines
A statement from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce warns of the economic impact of the Middle East crisis and recommends eight key guidelines for businesses to prepare for volatility in energy, logistics, and finance.
Given the current tensions in the Middle East, which may impact the global economy, trade, and international supply chains, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce wish to inform its members and business networks nationwide and urge them to closely monitor developments in the situation.
Such volatility could impact various aspects of business operations, particularly exports, international logistics, and industrial production costs, which are likely to face pressure from fluctuations in global energy and fuel prices.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce are concerned about Thai businesses and are continuously monitoring and assessing the impact. They are also coordinating with relevant government and private sector agencies to gather information, analyze trends, and provide recommendations to help businesses adapt.
Initial Guidelines for Businesses to Prepare for Potential Fluctuations: The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce propose the following initial guidelines for businesses:
- Closely monitor the global economic situation and energy markets, especially movements in crude oil and natural gas prices, and key energy transport routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for the global trade of oil and liquefied natural gas. Fluctuations in energy prices can directly impact electricity costs, production costs, and transportation costs.
- Assess the impact on supply chains and international transportation. Businesses should review their plans for raw material procurement, transportation, and delivery schedules, especially for exports to the Middle East or routes that may be affected by maritime security risks. This could lead to additional costs such as war risk premiums and delays in shipping.
- Carefully manage logistics costs, energy costs, and exchange rate fluctuations. Given trends in oil prices, shipping rates, and currency volatility in the global market, businesses should closely monitor transportation costs and exchange rate movements, and review international shipping contract terms and payment arrangements.
- Use energy efficiently and promote energy saving measures in the workplace. Businesses should increase energy efficiency in production, transportation, and operations to mitigate the impact of energy price fluctuations and help control costs in the long term.
- Assess the adequacy and continuity of raw materials for production. Especially for raw materials that rely on imports, businesses should monitor stock levels, plan for raw material backups, and consider alternative sources to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions.
- Develop a risk management plan and contingency plans. Under the uncertainty of the global economy, businesses should prepare contingency plans for various scenarios, including energy costs, logistics, and fluctuations in international currency exchange rates, so that they can adapt quickly if the situation changes.
- Manage financial liquidity and cash flow, especially for businesses that rely on exports or imports of raw materials, which may be affected by increased costs and longer transportation times.
- Monitor government support measures, as the government is currently considering measures in the energy, financial, and trade sectors to help mitigate the impact on the public and businesses.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce will continuously monitor the developments of the situation and are ready to serve as a central hub for communicating important information and coordinating feedback from the business sector to relevant agencies. This is to support Thai entrepreneurs in adapting and conducting their businesses appropriately amidst the volatility of the global economy.
This is for your information, and we request that members continuously monitor developments from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce.
