BANGKOK, March 10 (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered civil servants to conserve energy amid an energy squeeze caused by conflict in the Middle East, a government spokesman said on Tuesday, with measures including suspending overseas travel and using stairs instead of elevators.
“The prime minister has ordered that from today civil servants will work from home,” spokeswoman Lalida Periswiwatana told reporters, adding that exemptions would be granted for civil servants who must serve the public.
Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy has about 95 days of energy supplies, according to Energy Minister Auttapola Rerkpiboon, and is seeking additional sources of liquefied natural gas from the United States, Australia and South Africa.
But they are urgently trying to reduce demand. Lalida said other government energy-saving measures include setting air conditioning to 26 to 27 degrees Celsius (78.8 to 80.6 Fahrenheit) and wearing short-sleeved shirts instead of formal clothing such as suits and ties.
Almost 68% of Thailand’s energy needs are covered by natural gas. More than half of its liquefied natural gas comes from domestic production in the Gulf of Thailand, while 35% comes from imports, including 13% from neighboring Myanmar, according to the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission.
Earlier this month, Thailand also halted energy exports to all countries except Laos and Myanmar.
Government officials have been ordered to reduce electricity consumption in office buildings by turning off lights and electrical equipment when not needed, Lalida said. The government will also ask the public to cooperate and support energy-saving measures such as carpooling.
“If the situation escalates, the government may consider mandatory measures including darkening of advertising signs in shops, cinemas and businesses and closing gas stations at 10 p.m.,” the government also said in a statement.
(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng Editing by David Stanway)
