PATTAYA, Thailand – Businesses in Pattaya may avoid another cost increase after Thailand’s energy minister indicated that electricity tariffs are likely to remain unchanged for the next billing period.
Atthaphon Rerkpiboon, Thailand’s Minister of Energy, said on March 17 that the government is currently gathering data and reviewing key factors used to calculate the electricity tariff for the May–August 2026 period.
Under the current structure, the calculation process is handled by the Energy Regulatory Commission of Thailand, which will prepare several pricing options and open them for public consultation before submitting recommendations to the government.
However, the minister signaled that authorities intend to keep electricity prices stable to avoid further financial pressure on households and businesses.
“The government will use mechanisms from several sectors to ensure electricity prices do not increase and do not impact the public,” he said.
If confirmed, the electricity tariff would remain at 3.88 baht per unit, the same rate applied during the current billing cycle from January to April 2026.
For tourism-heavy cities such as Pattaya, where hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues face high operating costs due to air conditioning and lighting demands, the decision could provide some reassurance to business operators heading into the busy travel seasons.
The final tariff decision will be announced after the regulator completes its review and submits its proposal for government approval.
