New Thai government urged to adopt green economy

A planned increase in the national R&D budget announced by Thailand’s government along with tax incentives will be the main drivers moving Thailand towards a green economy, says a government think-tank.

Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, secretary-general of the country’s National Economic and Social Economic Board (NESDB), said an announcement by the Pheu Thai-led administration lifting R&D spending to 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) from 0.2 percent at present will foster development of technology that helps to lower the cost and make production more environmentally friendly.

"Over the next five years under the 11th NESDB plan, technology will play a vital role in GDP growth, with less consumption of natural resources and lower effects on human health and society than in the past," told the Bangkok Post.

The government could play a leading role in terms of green procurement and encouraging participation from all stakeholders, he added.

Pongvipa Lohsomboon, carbon business director at the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, said the government should place the goal of a green economy on the national agenda and prepare long-term infrastructure support.