'No need' to stockpile food

NSC urges public against panic buying

The National Security Council (NSC) has urged the public not to panic or stockpile food, saying domestic supplies remain sufficient despite rising global tensions.

The council is preparing to establish a national operations centre to monitor international crises and coordinate measures to safeguard Thailand's food and energy security.

NSC secretary-general Gen Chaipruak Doungprapat said on Wednesday that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had reported rice supplies exceeding domestic consumption requirements, while eggs and most consumer goods were also adequately available.

However, some products, including dairy goods and cooking seasonings, could face supply shortages. The ministry would prepare measures to address these imbalances and prevent domestic shortages, he said.

Households could maintain reasonable food reserves, but large-scale stockpiling was unnecessary at present, as the government and relevant agencies had sufficient supplies and contingency plans.

Gen Chaipruak was speaking after a meeting with government agencies and academics from several universities to discuss preparations for various security threats.

Participants described the current situation as one of overlapping global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

He said Thailand remained on the periphery of current global conflicts and would face different levels of impact from countries in Europe and the Middle East. However, uncertainty and the wider consequences of conflicts across several regions required careful preparation.

The meeting assessed the direct and indirect effects of a possible escalation in the Middle East conflict. The government has prepared emergency and evacuation plans to protect Thai workers and residents, while monitoring shipping routes to safeguard crews and maritime interests.

Indirect effects include higher global energy prices, which could drive up transport, production, consumer goods and agricultural costs.

Cybersecurity threats are also being monitored, although there is currently no indication that Thailand is a direct target. State agencies have prepared response measures, he said.

The NSC will establish an operations centre to work with academics and government agencies, monitor developments continuously and update response measures as circumstances change.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Public Relations Department have also been instructed to prepare public communications and issue official warnings promptly when necessary.

Gen Chaipruak urged the public to obtain information from reliable government sources. Asked about the possible impact of the US midterm elections, he said the NSC had prepared for both improvements and further deterioration in the international situation. He described Thailand's position as a major food producer and agricultural exporter as an important national advantage. The NSC is also considering proposing the establishment of a national food reserve.