Bangkok: Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has announced significant developments in Thailand's energy infrastructure, revealing plans for solar panel installations and a revamped vehicle tax system, set to be finalized by September.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Finance, under Ekniti's leadership, is fast-tracking the country's energy transition, supported by a 400 billion baht loan decree approved by Parliament. This financial boost is intended to address the ongoing energy crisis and facilitate a complete energy transition by 2026, with tangible outcomes expected by September 2026. The initiatives include comprehensive plans for solar panel installations and adjustments to the vehicle tax structure, aimed at supporting a shift to more sustainable energy sources.

The solar panel installation project will see panels mounted on rooftops of private residences, state enterprise offices, and government buildings, generating solar power and enabling households to sell excess electricity back to the grid through an improved Smart Grid system. This effort is part of a broader strategy to bolster Thailand's energy infrastructure and promote renewable energy adoption.

In tandem with the solar initiatives, the Ministry of Transport is set to accelerate the transition of public transport from gasoline-powered to electric vehicles, backed by a newly restructured vehicle tax system designed to support this shift. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) will collaborate to enhance the education system, ensuring it aligns with the nation's energy infrastructure transition.

Ekniti emphasized that the emergency decree facilitating the 400 billion baht borrowing is not a minor endeavor but a crucial step towards widespread solar panel adoption, which will significantly boost electricity generation. Investment in transmission systems is also underway to support this initiative, marking a significant stride in Thailand's energy transition.

Additionally, the Data Center Policy Committee is scheduled to meet next week to establish an investment framework for data centers in Thailand. This will ensure fair competition among existing and new players while maintaining balanced use of the country's water and electricity resources.