Fuel Shortage Hits Bangkok Airport Taxis and Krabi Long-Tail Boats

Airport Taxis Running on Empty

Travelers arriving at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport are facing a new challenge: far fewer taxis. Drivers — especially those operating larger SUVs and vans — have begun suspending services because they simply cannot find fuel. The issue is not high prices, but physical scarcity at petrol stations. For a broader look at how the energy crisis is pushing up travel costs, see our post on Thailand's oil crisis and rising flight prices.

Out of roughly 5,000 to 6,000 taxis registered at the airport, only about 2,500 are currently in service. Many drivers who do operate are limiting their hours, working mornings only because fuel becomes harder to obtain in the evening. The Airport Rail Link is currently the most reliable way into central Bangkok — our Bangkok public transport guide covers fares, routes, and interchange points.

Krabi's Long-Tail Boats Grounded

The fuel crisis is not limited to Bangkok. In Krabi province, nearly 2,000 long-tail boat operators face acute diesel shortages. At Noppharat Thara Beach — a popular departure point for island-hopping trips to the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island, and the Four Islands — hundreds of boats sit idle. Travelers planning a trip to the area can get the full picture in our Krabi travel guide.

Operators report that essential engine fuel has become increasingly scarce, forcing many vessels to remain docked. The dual pressure of fuel scarcity and a decline in international arrivals from Europe and the Middle East has hit Krabi's boat operators particularly hard.

Why Is There a Fuel Shortage?

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global oil supply chains. While Thailand has secured additional crude oil from Angola and the United States — more than 2.6 million extra barrels — refining and distribution bottlenecks mean that fuel is not always reaching petrol stations on time. The knock-on effects are already visible in airfare: Thai Airways has raised fares by 10–15% and Thai carriers are warning of a broader tourism impact.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated there is no nationwide shortage, attributing the problem to transportation and distribution bottlenecks rather than an actual deficit. Refineries have been instructed to boost production ahead of the Songkran holiday period (April 13-15).

What This Means for Travelers

If you are traveling to Thailand in the coming weeks, here is what to keep in mind:

• At Suvarnabhumi Airport: Expect longer waits for taxis. Consider pre-booking a private transfer or using the Airport Rail Link to central Bangkok instead.
• In Krabi and southern Thailand: Boat trips may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. Check with your tour operator before heading to the pier. Our Krabi travel guide lists the main operators and piers.
• Renting a car or motorbike: Fuel availability varies by region. Fill up when you can rather than waiting for the tank to run low.
• Songkran travel: The government says it is working to ensure adequate fuel supplies for the holiday period, but disruptions remain possible. See what is planned across the country in our Songkran 2026 guide.
• Malaysian border: Malaysian authorities have advised their citizens to postpone travel to southern Thailand due to fuel shortages in the border region.

Looking Ahead

The Thai government has secured emergency fuel imports and ordered refineries to ramp up production. However, the situation remains fluid. With Songkran — Thailand's busiest domestic travel period — just weeks away, pressure on fuel supplies could intensify before it eases. Flights are also being affected: check the latest on flight cancellations and re-routing caused by the Gulf crisis.

Travelers should monitor local news and consider flexible booking options for transport and tours during this period. Travel insurance for Thailand is strongly recommended given the current disruptions, and keeping an eye on the Thailand TAT crisis monitoring centre updates will help you stay informed. If you are still finalising your entry, the 2026 e-visa overhaul means the visa process itself is now smoother than ever — one less thing to worry about.