Strengthening Thailand’s Climate Change Law: Key Steps Before Implementation

Thailand is gearing up to introduce a new Climate Change Act this year. This could be a significant step forward, especially after years of neglect on climate issues and even lawsuits against activists. However, for this Act to truly make a difference, it needs strong legislation and active institutions.

Climate change, fueled by human greenhouse gas emissions, is wreaking havoc in Thailand. The country has faced severe droughts, flooding, and lost biodiversity, which have all hurt agriculture and threatened farmers’ livelihoods. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Thailand was the ninth most affected country by climate change in 2021. These environmental crises are increasing food insecurity and rural poverty.

Public awareness of these challenges is rising. Media coverage, grassroots activism, and political demands are pushing climate issues into the spotlight. The Thai government even created a Climate Change Master Plan for 2015 to 2050 in response to public pressure back in 2011.

Still, various constraints hinder effective climate action. A fragmented and slow-moving bureaucracy struggles to address climate problems. Strong industries often resist significant changes. Critics argue that government efforts to protect the environment often cater to large business interests. Despite climate policies being included in political party manifestos, many have yet to be implemented. For instance, while the government publicly supports renewable energy, it still plans to rely on coal for 25% of its energy until 2036, contributing significantly to global CO2 emissions.

With the election of the Pheu Thai-led government in May 2023, climate reform gained fresh momentum. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment opened discussions in parliament about the Climate Change Act, considering various proposals.

One key proposal is a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), inspired by a similar European model. This would impose costs on imported goods that exceed certain emissions limits. Importers would need to report emissions and buy carbon adjustment certificates. However, critics point out the challenges of monitoring compliance due to insufficient resources.

Another initiative is an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) along with a carbon tax. These tools aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote competition. Unfortunately, the government has not provided enough details about the potential impact on businesses or standard procedures, creating uncertainty in the market.

Currently, only 7.1% of Thailand’s total energy comes from renewable sources, with 70% generated from fossil fuels. Transitioning to renewable energy remains a tough challenge. The proposed Climate Fund aims to support businesses and research for emissions reduction, but bureaucratic hurdles may slow its creation.

Once the Climate Change bill is debated and approved by the National Assembly, it will go for a constitutional review. After that, the Prime Minister will seek the monarch’s signature, with hopes the Act could become law by 2026 and implement changes as early as 2027.

The draft of the Climate Change Act needs revisions. It should clearly define climate targets, enforce penalties against powerful businesses that resist change, and enhance the Climate Fund’s oversight. Active participation from civil society can help ensure accountability and make up for bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Thailand’s first climate law is a step forward, but it requires careful strengthening to be effective. The government must maintain pressure and commitment across different sectors to ensure this legislation fulfills its promise.

Insights from experts like Paul Chambers and Watcharapol Supajakwattana emphasize the need for robust climate policies to address pressing environmental challenges.

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