Economy
Thailand Announces 200 Billion Baht Clean Energy Transition Plan for Public Transport
The Ministry of Finance is advancing a 200 billion baht initiative to replace aging public transport vehicles with electric alternatives to reduce emissions.
According to Khaosod Online Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas has announced progress on a 200 billion baht clean energy transition plan. This initiative, funded through a 400 billion baht loan decree, aims to replace older public transport vehicles—including vans, taxis, buses, and provincial public buses—with electric vehicles (EVs).
The primary objective of this policy is to mitigate PM 2.5 dust and carbon dioxide emissions. By targeting high-usage public transport, the government intends to achieve significant improvements in air quality and energy efficiency. The plan requires older vehicles to be deregistered, a process that will be coordinated with the Ministry of Transport.
For residents and travelers, this transition could lead to a cleaner, more modern public transportation network in the future. However, several details remain to be confirmed. The Ministry of Finance has tasked Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit with overseeing the implementation. Furthermore, the government is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Industry to establish standardized procedures for the disposal and dismantling of the decommissioned vehicles. Specific timelines for the rollout and the exact criteria for vehicle replacement are still under development as the government continues to consult with private sector stakeholders.