From 3-7 August 2015 the APEC Follow-up Peer Review on Energy Efficiency (PREE – Phase 5) “Realising Energy Efficiency Potentials in Thailand’s Transport Sector” took place in Bangkok with the participation of TCC Experts. In general, each Peer Review on Energy Efficiency focuses on the energy efficiency policies of a single volunteer APEC member economy. The work is carried out by a Review Team of experts from other member economies and international institutions jointly selected by the host economy and APERC.

This year´s PREE consisted of two days of intense discussions focused on the whole transport sector, from rail to bicycling as well as fuel economy. Thailand is aiming to encourage energy conservation in all sectors, including transportation, through campaigns aiming to build up energy-saving conscience. A policy on energy efficiency has been set by the government to support energy conservation and efficiency in the household, industrial, service and transportation sectors through the development of mass public transportation and railway system to improve energy efficiency.

During discussions Mr. Tali Trigg (TCC Team Leader), put emphasis on considering fuel efficiency policies and measures for passenger cars, and especially two wheelers in general, which are an otherwise oft-forgotten topic. Two-wheeler efficiency can be improved through standards, start-stop engines, and full electrification, to name but a few options. These suggestions were well-received and will be considered as Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) and the Energy Policy & Planning Office (EPPO) as they are currently updating their regulations.

Other recommendations given by the TCC experts jointly with UNEP include Thailand considering a feebate system, which Singapore and France have implemented, and leads to better fuel efficiency not just through technological improvements, but also through lighter/smaller cars.

The inclusion of TCC in APERC’s energy efficiency review of Thailand’s transport sector raised the importance of fuel efficiency policies and measures for passenger cars and motorcycles, and in turn increased the network and visibility of TCC’s work in Thailand.

The final report, drafted by the Review Team and approved by EWG in January 2021, can be found here.