Thailand, Vietnam push remote work to save energy

BANGKOK, March 10, 2026 (AFP): Thailand and Vietnam encouraged public employees on Tuesday to work from home and take up other energy-saving measures as the Middle East war disrupted oil supplies and sent fuel prices swinging.

Thai authorities said government workers should shift to remote work where possible and asked that government offices set their air conditioners to 26C to conserve energy.

"The government wants all sectors to use resources wisely and effectively," it said in a statement.

It also urged officials to avoid overseas trips.

Thailand said last week it had secured two months' worth of oil supplies but was suspending exports to conserve its holdings.

It also capped the price of diesel at just under 30 baht ($0.94) per litre for a 15-day period.

In neighbouring Vietnam, the government scrapped duties on Monday on many imported petroleum products in an effort to prevent fuel shortages and stabilise the domestic market.

It also encouraged companies to allow employees to work from home .