Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Phasing out coal makes economic sense
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 24/12/2025
» Thailand's recent update to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) was met with polite applause from diplomatic circles and global communities. By finally aligning the national net-zero target with the mid-century goals of our neighbours, the kingdom appears to be getting back on track.
Thailand's cleaner grid is within reach
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 11/06/2025
» Thailand is approaching a pivotal moment in shaping its energy future. The draft Power Development Plan 2024 (PDP2024) -- currently awaiting finalisation -- outlines the country's power strategy for the next two decades. But as it stands, the draft leans heavily on legacy thermal infrastructure, including continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Sun-powered schools are a smart move
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 19/02/2025
» Thailand's rising electricity costs are not just a concern for businesses; they are placing a financial burden on schools. In 2023, a local business daily, Bangkok Biz, reported that many schools were struggling with high electricity liabilities.
Can new bonds mitigate disaster losses?
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 05/02/2025
» Last year turned out to be one of the most expensive on record in terms of insurance payments resulting from natural disasters.
Farms and solar energy can co-exist
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 08/01/2025
» At first glance, the idea of combining agriculture with solar energy seems far-fetched. How can crops and solar panels compete for the same sunlight? My view changed after I visited the Sosa Mega Solar Sharing site in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, last month. As part of a media tour organised by Mekong Watch, a Japanese non-profit conservation group, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how "agrivoltaics" -- an innovative integration of agriculture and solar energy -- are reshaping rural landscapes and revitalising communities.
Unplugging the electricity monopoly
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 18/09/2024
» Thailand's electricity prices remain stubbornly high, burdening consumers and businesses alike.
Climate risks threaten Thai economy
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 21/08/2024
» Last month, our Climate Finance Network Thailand (CFNT) network hosted a webinar titled "Time to Act: Looming Climate Impacts on Thailand's Financial Sector". Our highlight was our guest, Dr Kannika Thampanishvong, section head at the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research, who told us about how finance professionals view climate change and how economists prepare to deal with natural disasters.
When climate commitments fall short
News, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 24/07/2024
» By early next year, Thailand and other countries are expected to update national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The Paris Agreement mandates that nations submit new NDCs every five years, with each round more ambitious than the last. These NDCs are essential for countries to collectively tackle the global climate crisis.
Missed energy transition opportunity
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 22/06/2024
» I recently reviewed the draft Power Development Plan (PDP2024), outlining Thailand's power development roadmap from 2024 to 2037. This draft, which was put for a public hearing process during June 12–19, left me disappointed. The lower-than-expected economic growth, high energy surplus, fluctuating electricity costs due to gas price volatility and a more ambitious net-zero target all signal a need to recalibrate our plans towards low carbon emissions.