On September 30, 2025, Thailand found itself at a pivotal crossroads, as two major initiatives aimed at revitalizing the nation's economic and environmental landscape were unveiled. The Bank of Thailand (BOT), under the stewardship of Dr. Roong Mallikamas, Deputy Governor for Financial Institution Stability, launched the Save Thailand: Restore, Reframe, RISE initiative. Simultaneously, the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission announced a bold new Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Plan, signaling a dual-pronged approach to secure Thailand’s future prosperity and sustainability.
At the heart of the Save Thailand: Restore, Reframe, RISE initiative is a belief in Thailand’s inherent strengths. As reported by Thai Publica, Dr. Roong stated, “I believe that the Thai economy still has a way out because it has a solid foundation.” However, she cautioned that the country has struggled to fully capitalize on these strengths, especially in leveraging the digital footprint data that is now so abundant in the modern era. This honest assessment set the tone for a candid discussion about Thailand’s economic trajectory and the urgent need for reform.
The BOT’s program is built on three main strategies, each designed to address a critical weakness in Thailand’s current economic system. The first, "Reinvent Thailand," calls for the collection and analysis of digital footprints to create valuable feedback loops. By harnessing data, the initiative seeks to improve financial scores, credit scores, saving scores, and even fraud scores for both individuals and businesses. This approach, Dr. Roong argued, could help policymakers and financial institutions better understand and respond to the real behaviors and risks present in the market.
The second pillar, "Reform Thailand," focuses on developing comprehensive financial and social credit scoring systems. The aim here is to enhance trust and reduce risks throughout the economy. According to Dr. Roong, “We should establish a framework of incentives under the concept of ‘Do good, get good, and be recognized.’” She suggested that such a framework could serve as valuable social capital, rewarding positive behavior—like responsible saving or low fraud risk—with tangible benefits, such as easier access to credit and lower interest rates for those with high scores.
But a plan is only as strong as its weakest link. Recognizing this, the third strategy, "Facilitate Coordination," seeks to address failures in coordination that have long plagued Thai policy implementation. Dr. Roong emphasized, “The private sector should lead the drive, while the public sector coordinates and enforces the rules.” By ensuring that all sectors—government, finance, and business—work together seamlessly, the initiative hopes to create a more dynamic, resilient, and sustainable economic system.
While economic reform was taking center stage, environmental sustainability was also making headlines. On the same day, the EERE and the Energy Regulatory Commission introduced the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Plan (EERE Plan), a comprehensive blueprint aimed at promoting energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy across Thailand. This plan is closely aligned with Thailand’s commitment to climate change mitigation and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, as reported by multiple official channels.
The EERE Plan lays out practical strategies to reduce overall energy consumption and boost the nation’s reliance on renewable sources. This is more than just a nod to global trends; it’s a direct response to the pressing energy challenges and environmental concerns facing Thailand today. By focusing on both the supply and demand sides of the energy equation, the plan seeks to future-proof Thailand’s energy infrastructure, making it cleaner, more reliable, and less vulnerable to external shocks.
Interestingly, these ambitious Thai plans stand in stark contrast to recent developments in other parts of the world. For instance, the United States Department of Energy, under the Trump administration, has reportedly directed staff to avoid terms such as “climate change,” “green,” and “carbon reduction” in public and internal communications. According to reports cited by Thai Publica, this move is seen as part of a broader effort to downplay or challenge the scientific consensus on climate change, with the administration suspending subsidies and incentives for renewable energy and presenting reports that minimize the risks posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions.
In the United States, this approach has sparked fierce debate and concern among climate advocates, who argue that sidelining climate change terminology and initiatives could hamper global efforts to combat extreme weather events and environmental degradation. Ben Dietderich, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Energy, has denied that there is a blanket ban on such terms, promising a review of the directive to ensure appropriate communication. Still, this policy shift has cast a long shadow over international climate cooperation, at a time when the world is facing increasingly severe climate-related disasters.
Back in Thailand, the EERE Plan is being touted as a model of forward-thinking policy. By explicitly targeting reductions in energy consumption and a ramp-up in renewable energy use, the plan is designed to help Thailand meet both its domestic needs and its international obligations. This is no small feat in a rapidly developing country where industrial growth and urbanization are driving up energy demand at a breakneck pace. The government’s willingness to embrace climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals stands in sharp contrast to the more skeptical posture taken by some global powers.
There’s also a strong sense of pragmatism running through both the economic and environmental initiatives. Dr. Roong’s emphasis on feedback loops, data-driven decision-making, and clear incentives reflects a recognition that top-down mandates alone are not enough. Instead, she advocates for open policy platforms—like the proposed "Reinvent Thailand" forum—where stakeholders can openly discuss and refine strategies, ensuring that reforms are grounded in real-world experience and expertise.
Likewise, the EERE Plan’s focus on coordination and measurable outcomes signals a shift away from vague promises and toward accountability. By setting clear targets for energy efficiency and renewable adoption, the plan provides a roadmap for progress, while also holding government agencies and private sector partners to account for delivering results.
Thailand’s twin announcements on September 30, 2025, mark a bold new chapter in the nation’s quest for resilience and renewal. By embracing both economic innovation and environmental stewardship, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader at a time when global uncertainty is running high. Whether these initiatives will deliver on their ambitious promises remains to be seen, but for now, Thailand is making a clear statement: the future belongs to those willing to adapt, collaborate, and act decisively.
