Thailand orders work from home, use of stairs as Middle East oil crisis hits

ISTANBUL

Thailand has imposed austerity measures, requiring government employees to work from home and use stairs instead of elevators as the Middle East conflict disrupts oil supplies.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday announced a series of energy-saving initiatives, the local daily Bangkok Post reported.

Measures include suspension of overseas trips, setting air conditioning at 26–27°C, wearing short-sleeved shirts without neckties, turning off electrical appliances, reducing photocopier use, and promoting online meetings.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have introduced similar measures, including school closures and remote working arrangements, to cushion the impact of rising energy costs.

Regional tensions surged after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, which Tehran says killed nearly 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and scores of schoolgirls.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since around March 1. The narrow shipping lane handles about 20 million barrels of oil daily and roughly 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade.

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any attempt by Iran to disrupt shipments would trigger a response “20 times harder” than previous US strikes.

ISTANBUL

Thailand has imposed austerity measures, requiring government employees to work from home and use stairs instead of elevators as the Middle East conflict disrupts oil supplies.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday announced a series of energy-saving initiatives, the local daily Bangkok Post reported.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have introduced similar measures, including school closures and remote working arrangements, to cushion the impact of rising energy costs.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any attempt by Iran to disrupt shipments would trigger a response “20 times harder” than previous US strikes.