Thailand should brace for a prolonged period of energy volatility and intensifying geopolitical rivalry as conflicts in the Middle East threaten to disrupt global oil supplies, experts warn. Their warning came during a discussion on Friday examining how escalating tensions in the region could affect Thailand's economy, energy security and foreign policy. The forum was organised by Thailand Science Research and Innovation in collaboration with the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre and Thai PBS. Speakers said geopolitical conflict, the global energy transition and demographic change are reshaping Thailand's strategic environment. Panellists warned the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran could keep global energy markets volatile. Iran retains the capacity to respond strategically, including closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes. Chulalongkorn University political scientist Prof Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee said Thailand should avoid taking sides amid rising geopolitical tensions and instead strengthen diplomatic engagement through bilateral and multilateral channels. She added that deeper cooperation within Asean could help Thailand maintain strategic balance when dealing with major powers such as China and the US. Thammasat University political science lecturer Fuadi Pitsuwan said Thailand should also expand ties with "middle-power" countries to help sustain regional stability. Strengthening relations with Cambodia, he said, could support cooperation on energy resources in overlapping maritime areas. Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Srawut Aree, director of the Muslim Studies Centre at Chulalongkorn University, said economic diversification in the Middle East is encouraging new strategic alignments among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, potentially creating opportunities for Thailand to broaden its partnerships. Thailand's energy security is already under strain. Prof Praipol Koomsup, former dean of economics at Thammasat University, said the country's Oil Fuel Fund -- a key mechanism used to stabilise domestic fuel prices -- has reached its limits, meaning the government may have to either increase debt to sustain subsidies or allow retail prices to rise. Thailand currently holds fewer than 60 days of oil reserves and is exploring alternative supply sources, including imports from Malaysia and Russia. Palm-based biodiesel could provide a short-term alternative for diesel-dependent transport. Looking ahead, Nuwong Chollacoop of the National Science and Technology Development Agency said Thailand must accelerate investment in long-term energy solutions such as hydrogen and other low-carbon technologies.
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According to unverified accounts provided by a relative, Valivade served as a refuge for approximately 5,000 Polish refugees between 1942 and 1948, a period marked by the displacement of civilians following the 1939 invasion of Poland. The source claims that individual survivors, including a girl reportedly disguised to avoid danger, found temporary stability at the settlement, which is locally known as "Drugi Dom.
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