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A temple in northeastern Thailand has temporarily suspended cremation services due to fuel shortages. Restrictions on purchasing fuel in containers have made it difficult for the temple to operate its crematorium. The government reassures the public of sufficient oil supply, urging no panic.

Northeastern Thai Temple Suspends Cremation Services Due to Fuel Shortage

A major temple in the northeastern region of Thailand, Maha That Temple in Nakhon Phanom province, has suspended its cremation service. This is due to petrol stations refusing to sell fuel in containers, preventing the temple from stockpiling the necessary amount to operate its crematorium. The temple announced that while cremation services are temporarily closed until the situation improves, funeral prayers for the deceased will continue as normal. The temple's crematorium uses an environmentally-friendly system that combines fuel and electricity.

According to the deputy abbot, each cremation requires approximately 90 litres of fuel, costing around 3,000 baht. Under normal circumstances, the temple keeps a reserve of about 100 litres of oil for the crematorium. However, current measures limit fuel purchases to about 500 baht per transaction and prohibit customers from filling containers. The temple averages over 10 cremations each month.

Government Urges Calm Amid Fuel Supply Reassurance

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha offered a public reassurance on Sunday that there is sufficient oil for domestic consumption, capable of meeting demand for up to 96 days. The Prime Minister urged the public to pursue their normal lives and not rush in panic to fill their vehicles. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithamphraphat also stated that four major oil suppliers have confirmed there is sufficient oil to meet domestic demand, but emphasized the need to manage the supply of refined oil products to petrol stations.

*Source: YouTube: Thai PBS World (2026-03-16)*

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