Video•Mar 11, 2026
No Jackets, More WFH - How Thailand Is Trying to Save Energy
Thailand’s government unveiled a suite of energy‑saving directives aimed at curbing electricity use as global oil prices surge amid the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict and an oppressive summer heat.
The plan asks civil servants to work from home, drop suit jackets and ties, keep office air‑conditioners at a minimum of 27 °C, suspend overseas study trips, install power‑saving software on computers, and encourage stair use over elevators.
Economist Dr. Apis Sanuanit warned the steps address only symptoms, estimating a modest 5‑10 % cut in consumption and noting that remote work could shift demand to electricity generated by imported natural gas.
If the measures prove marginal, businesses may face continued high energy costs, prompting a broader push for structural reforms and private‑sector participation in Thailand’s energy transition.
