November 10, 2009 — This joint study between the World Bank and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) answers the question of how Thailand’s transport sector can become more energy-efficient. It assesses the performance of the transport sector in energy utilization, analyzes where inefficiencies lie, and proposes options in order to improve transport energy efficiency.

The main findings of this report are:

• The transport sector is very dependent on fossil fuels (72 percent of total energy consumed by the sector are petroleum), thus contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand (24th largest emitter of the world)
           
• The sector relies heavily on land transport (therefore not as energy efficient as it would be if it was more multi-modal)
       
• Thailand's energy intensity (how much energy is used to produce one unit of the GDP) is very high and has been so, whereas more developed countries tend to reduce their energy intensity over time (partly because they become more efficient as using the energy)

Recommendations:

• Switch to other types of fuels and transport:
  • water and rail can be strengthened but requires public investment and planning
  • rail reform identified as a key policy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce logistics costs, which could make Thailand more competitive vis-a-vis other SEA countries
         
• Improve vehicle standards, urban bus services, etc.