Bangkok: The Cabinet has enacted measures requiring civil servants to work from home in response to the ongoing energy crisis, suspending overseas study trips and mandating the removal of suits during meetings.
According to Thai News Agency, the government acknowledged Thailand's reliance on imported crude oil, with an average daily consumption of 3.13 million barrels of refined oil, necessitating cooperative efforts during this challenging period.
Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the measures aim to address the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a significant energy production and transport hub, which have contributed to global energy price volatility. The government is committed to managing the energy sector closely to mitigate economic and cost-of-living effects.
To promote energy conservation, all government agencies are directed to implement full-scale remote work from home, with exceptions for essential public service agencies. The Cabinet meeting has already introduced energy-saving initiatives, such as raising air conditioning temperatures to 26 degrees Celsius and encouraging casual dress codes to reduce electricity usage.
In terms of travel, all non-essential overseas trips for government officials are suspended, except for crucial conferences deemed necessary after careful consideration. The Ministry of Energy has proposed additional measures, including optimizing air conditioning, reducing electricity use in offices, promoting paperless operations, and encouraging online meetings.
Additional fuel conservation strategies involve vehicle maintenance, driving at moderate speeds, carpooling, and trip planning to reduce energy consumption. The government also plans to campaign for energy conservation through various media platforms and is prepared to implement more stringent measures if the situation worsens.
Efforts to reduce fuel and electricity consumption by 5% could yield substantial savings, contributing to long-term energy security and setting a precedent for broader societal energy conservation. These initiatives aim to ensure efficient energy use and support the country's energy resilience during this critical period.