Renewables offer hope for Thailand
A technician installs rooftop solar panels. Mr Praipol says greater adoption of renewable power is the long-term solution to petroleum supply disruptions.
Thailand must accelerate its transition to renewable energy if it is to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas and avoid repeating the painful consequences of global conflicts, according to Praipol Koomsap, economist at Thammasat University and former assistant to ex‑energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee.Mr Praipol said even if peace negotiations between the US and Iran succeed in stabilising crude oil prices at around US$70-80 per barrel by late 2025, refined oil prices are expected to remain high.
For Thailand, this means relying solely on fossil fuels will continue to expose households and businesses to volatility.
"Increasing the use of renewable energy in both the transport and electricity sectors is the long‑term solution if similar conflicts occur again," he said.
