Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul attended the AZEC Plus meeting, emphasizing regional energy cooperation to drive the transition to clean energy and Net Zero. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul participated in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit via teleconference at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who chaired the summit. During the meeting, the Japanese Prime Minister announced new initiatives to support AZEC member countries, including low-interest loans for crude oil, refined oil, and essential goods, as well as fiscal support measures. She also proposed upgrading cooperation to 'AZEC 2.0' to enhance long-term energy resilience for member countries.
According to Thai News Agency, at the meeting, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the importance of regional cooperation amidst a global situation facing energy volatility and ongoing impacts from the Middle East. This reflects the necessity of international connectivity and the crucial need for maritime security to ensure global energy and food security.
In the short term, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to maintain energy market stability and utilize cooperative mechanisms to mitigate the impact. Thailand has been closely monitoring domestic fuel management to prevent rapid increases in energy costs, and has also implemented targeted assistance measures for specific groups of the population.
In the long term, Mr. Anutin sees this crisis as an opportunity to accelerate the energy transition. Thailand has continued to promote clean energy, such as increasing the proportion of biofuels, expanding solar power, and strengthening renewable energy supply chains at the regional level, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Thailand welcomes Japan's leading role and supports both short-term measures and the development approach of AZEC 2.0. The Prime Minister reiterated that Thailand is ready to work with Japan and ASEAN member countries to address crises and ensure sustainable energy security in the future.