The National Security Council (NSC) has approved the export of jet fuel to Vietnam and the Philippines after determining that Thailand currently has excess reserves.
All oil product exports were suspended earlier this year, with exemptions granted only to Myanmar and Laos, as the country concentrated on shoring up reserves in response to the oil shortage caused by the Middle East war.
The council on Wednesday reviewed a request from the Ministry of Energy, which said Vietnam and the Philippines had requested supplies of Jet A-1 aviation fuel, said Chatchai Bangchuad, the NSC secretary-general.
The NSC concluded that the exports would not affect domestic fuel consumption because the shipments involve aviation fuel rather than other petroleum products, he said following the meeting at Government House.
The exports would also help reduce Thailand’s current excess stockpile, allowing fuel management to proceed in line with regulations, he added.
However, Mr Chatchai stressed that if domestic shortages arise, the energy ministry would have the authority to suspend exports if needed.
In a related development, Mr Chatchai said the meeting also approved an extension of the application period for nationality status determination for long-term migrants and stateless ethnic groups living in Thailand.
A cabinet resolution in 2024 authorised the Interior Ministry to accept applications, which began in June 2025 and are scheduled to end on June 30 this year.
Authorities estimate that about 480,000 people are affected by statelessness. Over the past year, the Interior Ministry has processed more than 100,000 cases.
The NSC agreed to extend the application period for another year, to June 30, 2027, under the same criteria.
