Thailand

Thailand’s National Strategy (2018-2037) acts as an overarching guide for national development and a framework for international cooperation. Green economy and green growth lie at the cornerstone of the strategy to reach high-income status within 20 years, while keeping environmental considerations at the forefront. It is crucial for Thailand’s development to address key challenges as deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. Accordingly, changes need to be made in the unsustainable industrial production and consumption, which constitutes nearly 40% of the GDP.

The 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) 2017-2021 provided the initial entry point for PAGE when Thailand joined the partnership in 2019. In addition, the government put forward the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Business Model to promote sustainable growth that is environmentally friendly and socially inclusive. PAGE and the NESDC conducted a green economy stocktaking study which identified five areas to foster an inclusive green economy: 1) reduction of carbon emissions and pollution, 2) promotion of energy and resource efficiency, 3) biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, 4) decent job creation, and 5) ensuring a just transition that fosters prosperity for all. PAGE will keep focusing on these areas and raise awareness of just transition issues, addressing poverty, social inequality, and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable and equitable economic growth.