BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved in principle a draft Climate Change Act, proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The legislation would replace the 2007 regulations with Thailand’s first comprehensive climate law, supporting national targets of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
The draft law establishes a framework to guide the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It includes the formation of four national committees tasked with setting policy, defining emissions targets, developing operational plans, and providing oversight. A Climate Fund will be created to finance climate-related investments and support sustainable development.
Other key provisions include developing a national greenhouse gas inventory, establishing a centralized emissions data system, and recognizing carbon credits as tradable assets. The law also introduces a carbon tax on certain product categories and outlines penalties for failing to report emissions or submitting false information.
The government has stated that the law is intended to balance environmental responsibility with business competitiveness and household affordability. Climate measures will be introduced in a way that supports long-term sustainability without placing undue burden on citizens or industries.
Next steps include drafting secondary legislation and conducting interagency consultations to support effective implementation. The process will continue as the MNRE works to ensure the law meets both environmental goals and practical needs across sectors. (NNT)
