BANGKOK, March 10 — Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed government agencies and state enterprises to immediately implement work-from-home (WFH) arrangements to reduce energy consumption amid prolonged geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Deputy Thai Government Spokesman Lalida Prertwiwatthana said the directive applies to departments where WFH would not affect public services, as part of broader measures to improve the efficiency of public sector resource management.
Anutin has also ordered agencies to suspend overseas study visits and training programmes and conduct such activities domestically instead.
“All agencies have been instructed to implement these measures while ensuring that public services remain unaffected,” she said in a statement following the Cabinet meeting today.
Lalida added that the authorities would closely monitor developments in the global economic and energy situation to ensure that policies can be adjusted appropriately and in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, fellow Deputy Government Spokesman Airin Phanpharit revealed that Thailand’s average daily demand for refined oil products stands at about 124 million litres.
As of March 5, the country’s total oil reserves amounted to 8.055 billion litres, while the average consumption of refined oil products is about 3.13 million barrels per day.
However, Thailand continues to rely heavily on crude oil imports, particularly from West Asia.
She said the country currently holds around 8.054 billion litres of oil reserves, including statutory and commercial reserves, which can meet the country’s energy needs to some extent.
“Nevertheless, the Energy Ministry has proposed additional energy-saving measures for government agencies to promote efficient energy use and set an example for other sectors of society,” Airin said.
