Thailand

Thailand’s strong economic growth in recent decades has come at a high environmental cost, marked by deforestation, declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable production patterns. Rising plastic and air pollution, inadequate waste treatment, and water contamination are further undermining quality of life and driving significant economic costs.

In response, Thailand has embraced green economy principles under its Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, adopting a green growth model rooted in the National Strategy (2018–2037), which guides national development and international cooperation, with the vision of achieving high‑income status within 20 years while keeping environmental priorities central. The 13^th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2022-2026 translates the National Strategy into actionable programmes. The government also introduced the Bio‑Circular‑Green Economy Model to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

In 2024, new policy developments reinforced this commitment. The National Power Development Plan (2024–2037) sets a clear path toward cleaner energy, aiming to expand renewable sources and reduce reliance on coal. At the same time, the Climate Change Act, now moving through the legislative process, will establish a comprehensive framework for emission reductions, carbon pricing, and climate resilience.

Thailand’s green economic transformation has been advanced through strong collaboration across national counterparts, including the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Department of Industrial Works, the Department of Skill Development, the Ministry of Interior, the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, the Office of Industrial Economics, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning.