Bangchak helps members track carbon reduction through mobile app. (Photo: Bangchak)
To increase public awareness of the carbon tax, the Thai government has teamed up with Chulalongkorn University and two major oil companies.
The initiative will provide consumers with visual data on carbon emissions at the pump, alongside the upcoming carbon tax system, in hopes of accelerating the country's energy transition goals.
Chulalongkorn study to assess carbon awareness impact
According to the memorandum of understanding, when consumers refuel at the national oil company PTT's stations, the screen will display the carbon emissions associated with each refueling.
Meanwhile, Bangchak Petroleum will assist members of its "Green Miles" program via a mobile app, tracking the carbon reductions made with eco-friendly fuels and presenting the corresponding number of trees planted.
In addition, with the assistance of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Economics, the data collected from consumers will be used for research. Starting in March and continuing through the end of May, a study will analyze the behaviors of 3,500 consumer samples, evaluating the impact of this initiative and providing data for future policy development.
Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President of Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications at Bangchak, and Chair of the Thailand Carbon Market Club (TCMC), emphasized that TCMC would use multiple channels to promote the carbon tax and the goals of this agreement to further raise public awareness.
The carbon tax system in Thailand was approved by the Cabinet two weeks ago and is now under final confirmation by the Council of State, which is part of the Prime Minister’s office.
It is expected to be officially implemented after an announcement in February. The tax will be set at 200 baht per ton of carbon (about 5.9 USD), and it will be incorporated into the petroleum tax, so it will not affect retail fuel prices for consumers.
Thailand’s EV industry gears up for comeback
Known as the "Detroit of the East," Thailand's largest carbon emissions come from the automotive and manufacturing sectors, accounting for 70% of the total.
To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, the government is actively promoting electric vehicles while implementing both incentive and penalty measures to increase local production.
Thailand, known as the "Detroit of the East," is embracing the global shift toward net zero, making electric vehicles a key focus of its industrial development. (Photo: Stock)
Despite challenges in Thailand's EV market due to a price war sparked by Chinese manufacturers, the Thailand Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) remains optimistic. The association believes that the government's recent decision to open EV exports and expand incentives to include hybrid vehicles will help alleviate the issue of oversupply.
They forecast that EV sales in Thailand will grow by 40% in 2025, surpassing 100,000 units and reversing the sluggish market conditions seen the previous year.
Source: Bangchak, Bangkok Post(1), (2), Reuters(1), (2)
