Thailand's NSC Considers National Food Reserve Amid Middle East Conflict Scenarios

Key summary

Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) is evaluating the establishment of a national food reserve as part of its contingency planning for a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. The council assesses this scenario—where fighting remains geographically limited but extends over time—as the most likely outcome among four possibilities, citing risks to energy prices and global supply chains. NSC Secretary-General General Chaipruak Doungprapat noted that while Thailand is not in the immediate conflict zone, it must prepare for disruptions to the economy, energy supplies, food security, and cybersecurity. The assessment involved relevant government agencies and academics, including Assistant Professor Dr Manoch Aree of Srinakharinwirot University, who highlighted vulnerabilities in essential infrastructure to cyberattacks, referencing a European incident where hackers altered refrigerated facility settings. Although domestic production of rice and chicken eggs exceeds national consumption and milk and vegetable oil supplies are adequate, officials stress that households do not need to stockpile goods. The NSC aims to communicate risks clearly to prevent panic buying or bank withdrawals, adhering to the Crisis Management Plan 2023–2027 and the National Preparedness Plan. The NSC Operations Centre will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with government agencies and private-sector organisations.