Articles
When climate commitments fall short
By early next year, Thailand and other countries are expected to update national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The Paris Agreement mandates that nations submit new NDCs every five years, with each round more ambitious than the last. These NDCs are essential for countries to collectively tackle the […]
No sign of a ‘just’ energy transition
As multiple impacts of climate change become more severe worldwide, including in Thailand, the need for an energy transition becomes ever more paramount. To that end, the latest draft of the Power Development Plan (draft PDP2024), which was unveiled in June, is touted by the Ministry of Energy as being consistent with Thailand’s goals of […]
Missed energy transition opportunity
I recently reviewed the draft Power Development Plan (PDP2024), outlining Thailand’s power development roadmap from 2024 to 2037. This draft, which was put for a public hearing process during June 12–19, left me disappointed. The lower-than-expected economic growth, high energy surplus, fluctuating electricity costs due to gas price volatility and a more ambitious net-zero target […]
How green is the energy from our hydro dams?
Thailand’s National Energy Plan (NEP) — a blueprint outlining the country’s energy strategy from 2023 to 2037, has earned praise for its goals to increase the use of clean renewable energy in Thailand. The plan states that by 2050, half of electricity consumed must be clean and renewable energy –solar cells, wind, biomass, small nuclear […]
Migrant workers face heatwave risks
As extreme heat becomes common, Thailand needs a more comprehensive labour protection law to safeguard at-risk migrant workers from hotter climate. Thailand is always hot and humid. Yet the scorching heat this year proved to be punitive. Chhaya Cheam, a 43-year-old domestic worker from Cambodia, was unable to partake in the Songkran festivities with her […]
Navigating Thailand’s energy transition
In Thailand’s National Energy Plan (NEP) — a blueprint outlining the country’s energy strategy from 2023 to 2037 — a small portion of nuclear energy is included as one form of alternative energy. The NEP has set the goal that 50% of energy for consumption must come from clean and renewable sources like wind, solar, […]
Energy shift calls for open markets, more renewables
The awaited new Power Development Plan (PDP) will be finalised by the second quarter of this year. The PDP— which is scheduled to be implemented between 2024 and 2037, will focus more on renewable energy. Prasert Sinsukprasert, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy, says the new PDP aligns with Thailand’s climate change goal […]
Taking steps towards climate action
In response to escalating global concerns over climate change, Thailand has taken a stride by drafting its Climate Change Act that, if enacted, will be the country’s first climate change law. However, critics have raised doubts about whether this draft will help the country reduce emissions and cope with climate change in a sustainable manner. Some wonder whether it is just a paper tiger.
Thailand’s LNG addiction derails its climate actions
Despite commitments to increase the share of renewable energy to combat climate change and promises to adhere to the 1.5°C target outlined by the Paris Agreement, Thailand’s appetite for liquefied natural gas (LNG) tells a different story, putting the country’s sustainable future in jeopardy. In 2023, Thailand experienced a notable surge in LNG imports, reaching […]