Thailand

Ranking 32nd in the CCPI, Thailand falls eight spots and is an overall medium performer. The country receives a medium rating in GHG Emissions and Energy Use, and a low in Renewable Energy and Climate Policy.

Based on its second and latest updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Thailand has set ambitious climate targets. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2065. The Cabinet approved the NDC Action Plan on Mitigation 2021–2030 on December 11, 2024 – a plan serving as the official framework for implementing Thailand’s domestic mitigation efforts. The Plan outlines the goal of achieving an unconditional GHG emissions reduction of 33.3% (184.8 MtCO2eq) by 2030 using domestic resources. The indicators used to track this progress are based on reduction percentage and quantity relative to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.

Strong long-term policy goals, but strong implementation is needed, along with updated energy policies

At the same time, Thailand is actively preparing its NDC 3.0, which sets 2035 as a target year. The aim is to submit this to the UNFCCC Secretariat within 2025. A key element of this transition involves moving from specifying targets based on BAU emissions to those based on absolute emissions reduction relative to the actual emissions levels in the baseline year of 2019. This target also sets a clear reduction pathway for the mid-2030s, aligning the country’s efforts with the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. The target emissions level (sources only) in 2035 is 270.0 MtCO2eq, which represents a total 109.2 MtCO2eq GHG reduction compared with 2019.

The CCPI country experts indicate Thailand’s long-term goals are a strength in the country’s climate policy. However, they note the country is unlikely to meet the climate targets set out in its 2022 Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). They indicate a substantial need for stronger implementation of these targets to unlock the electricity market and allow greater renewable energy adoption. The experts also highlight major weaknesses in Thailand’s continued dependence on fossil fuels and its outdated energy policies. They call for a new energy security framework centred on renewable energy, which would also provide financing for climate mitigation and adaptation projects. They are especially concerned with the ongoing use of coal and natural gas. They urge the government to present a clear roadmap for a just transition away from coal; recommending a complete coal phase-out by 2035 and greater investment in green technologies and renewable energy.

Draft Climate Change Act gives hope for compulsory legal climate framework

Efforts continue on advancing the draft Climate Change Act, which aims to provide a mandatory legal framework for climate action, including requirements for agencies and the private sector to have mandatory reporting of GHG emissions data. The Act is also designed to incorporate carbon pricing mechanisms, such as a carbon tax and/or carbon market.

Internationally, Thailand has signed the Global Pledge on Renewables and Energy Efficiency, signalling its commitment to sustainable energy development. However, the experts criticise Thailand’s focus on economic growth rather than a just transition and reduction of GHG emissions.

The experts note positive developments in climate action in the private sector and subnational actors that are including climate change policies in provincial development plans.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Tara Buakamsri (Climate Connectors)
• Boonrod Yaowapruek (Creagy)