Thais’ top concern: Pollution; 74% say it affects their quality of life
The environment continues to be a key concern for Thailand and again rates highest of all public concerns in 2024, according to a Marketbuzz and Thammasat University School of Global Studies survey.
In a study that has been running every year since 2019, Thais were asked to choose their “Top 5 Public Concerns”. In 2024, the environment was the top concern chosen by 30% of those surveyed, followed by “rising prices” at 28%. It is the same two top concerns as we saw last year in 2023. Continued …
Manufacturing stagnant amid growing climate risks
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is expected to remain flat or gain 1% year-on-year in 2024, with climate change among the risks threatening to affect the sector, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).
The downgrade from earlier projections of 2%-3% growth followed the MPI rising in April, its first increase in 18 months. Siripen Kiatfuengfoo, deputy director-general of the OIE, listed negative external and internal factors, such as the impact of global warming, which is expected to keep the MPI low in 2024. Continued …
Exports must shift to cleaner production
With the world moving toward green production, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul warns that Thailand will fall behind if the country does not shift in this direction. According to Paopoom, Thai exports classified as environmentally friendly made up only 7.6% of the total as of 2021.
In comparison, developed countries such as Germany report 15.4% of its exports meeting the definition, Japan 15%, China 10.4%, and South Korea 10.2%. Continued …
Leaders laud ESG business strategy
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors profoundly influence both the global economy and society. To investigate the role of these factors, an annual conference was held titled “Greening The Future: ESG Leadership in the Sustainability Revolution”, inviting business leaders from a diverse range of companies to share their insights on the topic.
Thailand should join other countries in ASEAN to consider setting a single standard on carbon credit trade, dubbed “ASEAN-VER,” to support international campaigns to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the business sector, said Chaiwat Kovavisarach, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Continued …
WHA Group embraces ESG goals for cleaner future
With ever-changing megatrends and environmental impacts playing key roles in the global economy, a sharper focus on a business’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals can help drive it toward sustainable growth, according to Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, CEO of WHA Group.
Business operators need to embrace various initiatives and adapt to geopolitical situations, such as relocating manufacturing bases and technological transformation, in order to maintain competitiveness, Jareeporn said at the ESG Conference 2024 on Thursday. Continued …
More tax incentives for green investment planned
The government is preparing a number of tax incentives to promote a low-carbon economy and encourage investment in environmentally friendly businesses, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira says.
He made the remarks at the “Greening the Future: ESG Leadership in the Sustainability Revolution” conference at Centara Grand at CentralWorld on Thursday. Continued …
GSB Grants 48 Billion Baht on ESG Scores
Government Savings Bank, led by Paphakorn Ratanasate, senior executive vice president, stated, “Government Savings Bank has adhered to our commitment as a social bank, proceeding with sustainable operations covering environment, society, and governance aspects through green ginance. For the first time, the banking business has engaged an organization’s ESG score as part of the credit loan approval process.
“Large-sized business customers are our preliminary group for GSB to enable credit approval, alongside special interest rate reduction conditions for organizations accredited with a good ESG score by operating businesses focused on society, community, and environment.” Continued …
Thai Startups Shine in PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program
PepsiCo, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, has unveiled the 10 finalists selected for the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024, including two Thai Startups: AIIEV and CIRAC.
AIIEV is empowering businesses to achieve sustainability and cost savings through a subscription model for electric conversions, while CIRAC provides technology for recycling one of the most difficult to be recycled packaging waste, aluminum-laminated plastic packaging. Continued …
Thailand exploring small modular nuclear reactor tech: PM
The government is exploring small modular nuclear reactor technology, as Thailand looks to diversify its energy mix, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today.
“Our green transition goal is one of the most ambitious in Southeast Asia, and we have a comprehensive road map in place to have 50% of energy production be renewable by 2040,” Srettha said at an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) event in Bangkok. Continued …
Thailand Urged to Embrace Nuclear Power to Meet Carbon-Zero Goals
At the recent Bangkok Post Conference 2024, Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of CP Group, made a compelling case for Thailand to adopt nuclear power and artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve its carbon-zero and sustainable development goals. This recommendation comes as Thailand faces increasing challenges to meet its environmental targets.
Suphachai pointed out the urgency of these measures by referencing the United Nations’ grim forecast that the world is on track to meet only 12% of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030. With Thailand ranking 43rd among 166 countries, time is of the essence. Continued …
SE Asia gas expansion threatens green transition
Southeast Asia is on track to vastly expand its gas-fired power plant and liquid natural gas import capacity, threatening its green energy transition, a report warned Thursday. The region’s existing plans project a doubling of gas-fired power capacity, and an 80% increase in LNG import capacity, said Global Energy Monitor (GEM), a U.S.-based NGO.
Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide than most other fossil fuels, and so it is often considered a “transition fuel” that can help economies reduce emissions without sacrificing growth. Continued …
Can a green transition save the Mekong River?
The Mekong River, which traverses over 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) of Asian countryside, is a crucial source of fishing, farming and transportation for around 65 million people. The Mekong originates in the Tibetan Plateau in China and flows to the South China Sea through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
However, infrastructure projects designed to meet the energy demands of Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing societies are on the rise in the Mekong. The intervention is being felt downstream and is putting increasing pressure on the river’s ecosystems and livelihoods. Continued …
An expert’s insight into Asia Pacific’s recycling revolution
Asia Pacific’s diverse economic landscape significantly influences its approach to plastic packaging, particularly in transitioning to a circular economy.
Rati Bhattacharya, ERM partner and regional service leader APAC for Sustainable Operations, highlights that this region uniquely combines advanced and developing economies, leading to varied recycling practices and circular economy targets. Continued …
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