Thailand to Raise Electricity Tariffs by 1.8% Starting May 2026

Electricity prices in Thailand are set to increase slightly beginning in May 2026, with the adjustment kept at a modest 1.8% compared to current rates. For residential consumers, the new tariff for the May–August period will be fixed at 3.95 baht per kilowatt-hour.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) reached this decision after reviewing public feedback and ultimately selected the least impactful option among three proposed scenarios. The approved structure includes a fuel tariff rate of 16.23 baht per unit, alongside the standard consumer rate announced on April 1.

ERC Chairman Punpat Leesombatpiboon stated that the regulator aimed to strike a balance between reflecting the real cost of electricity production and limiting the financial burden on households. According to the ERC’s secretary-general, mechanisms such as Accrual Costs Management and Claw Back are being applied to offset rising costs and keep the final tariff at a manageable level.

Although the chosen approach does not reduce existing debt owed to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), it is still considered more sustainable than freezing the tariff at the earlier rate of 3.88 baht per unit, which was in effect from January to April 2026. Maintaining a near-stable rate of 3.95 baht will cost the government approximately 9 billion baht.

For comparison, government efforts to stabilize diesel prices in March required significantly higher spending, with similar amounts being used within just one week.

At the same time, the ERC has called on the public to help reduce energy consumption by following the so-called “5P principle,” a set of simple everyday measures designed to promote efficiency and conservation.

These include turning off unnecessary lighting, setting air conditioners to reasonable temperatures, unplugging unused appliances, switching to energy-efficient devices, and planting trees to create shade and support environmental sustainability.