Prachuap Khiri Khan sets up Middle East monitoring centre
Prachuap Khiri Khan has established a monitoring centre to track developments linked to the ongoing Middle East situation and assess potential impacts across key sectors in the province, officials said on Wednesday.
The move was confirmed during a provincial administration meeting chaired by Governor Sitthichai Sawat Saen at the Koh Lak Meeting Room in the provincial hall. Deputy governors, senior officials and representatives from both the public and private sectors attended the meeting.
Before discussions began, certificates of recognition were presented to outstanding members of the Thai Volunteer Defence Corps. Among those honoured was Prasert Yuwakanukul, recognised nationally as an outstanding integrated farmer for 2026 and a model agricultural scholar from Bang Saphan district. Awards under the “Khon Dee Sri Changwat” programme for the 2025 fiscal year were also presented to Thanaphum Panicharoen in the children and youth category and Lertphan Kaewphim in the general public category.
Officials reviewed potential economic impacts arising from tensions in the Middle East, particularly in relation to fuel prices. The Provincial Energy Office reported that inspections at 65 fuel stations across all eight districts found no evidence of fuel stockpiling. Meanwhile, the Provincial Commerce Office plans to organise low-cost “Blue Flag” sales events in several locations, including remote subdistricts, to help ease living costs.
Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat warned that higher fuel prices could affect the progress of government construction projects and instructed relevant departments to monitor developments closely. He also called on the Provincial Fisheries Office to assess impacts on the fishing sector, with early reports indicating that small-scale fishermen are already feeling the effects of rising diesel costs.
Deputy Governor Preeda Sukjai said the newly established Middle East monitoring centre will include a working group of government officials, private sector representatives and business operators. Weekly meetings will be held to track developments and gather feedback from sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing in order to prepare appropriate response measures.
Other matters discussed included preparations for a merit-making ceremony to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on 3 April, as well as upcoming events such as the “Sam Ao Storytelling” cultural festival from 27 to 29 March and the annual Red Cross Unity Day on 9 April.
