ส.อ.ท. ชี้ "ความยั่งยืน" เป็นโจทย์ท้าทาย แนะทุกฝ่ายปรับตัว สู่โอกาสของประเทศFTI Identifies "Sustainability" as a Challenging Objective, Urging All Parties to Adapt Towards National Opportunities

On November 27, 2024, Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), delivered a special lecture at the annual discussion event "SPOTLIGHT DAY 2024" under the theme "SUSTAINABILITY DISRUPTION: Businesses Adapt Before Being Disrupted." The event was graced by Mr. Aeknat Prompan, Minister of Industry, who served as the guest of honor and delivered a keynote speech, organized by Amarin Television Co., Ltd. at the Thai Bev Quarter building.

Mr. Aeknat revealed in his keynote speech that the new challenge currently confronting Thailand and the world is sustainability, as the changes taking place worldwide are rapid and intense, whether related to climate change, pollution, floods, geopolitics, or trade wars.

Many business sectors continue to be affected by rapid technological changes, resulting in widespread impacts. This transformation necessitates responses from global and Thai contexts to the new challenge of sustainability.

Sustainability must address both environmental and economic issues simultaneously and collaboratively for the country to combat challenges effectively. If we can overcome these challenges, it will present an opportunity for the nation.

Furthermore, Mr. Kriangkrai participated in a special lecture titled “Opportunities and Future of Thai Industry Towards Sustainability,” stating that businesses must adapt before being transformed, as sustainability is a significant and challenging objective. Recently, Thailand has faced multiple risks and challenges necessitating adaptation within the industrial sector, such as the emergence of technologies causing many industrial sectors to lag behind.

Meanwhile, geopolitical issues have led to changes within supply chains, and the trade war between the United States and China significantly impacts Thailand, as these two countries are its top trading partners.

Additionally, a significant challenge is climate change, with current global warming having reached alarming levels, and projections indicate an upward trend. Moreover, in 2024, Thailand's peak electricity usage recorded eight historic highs, marking a significant problem.

Presently, measures for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) established by the European Union (EU) are enforced in 5-6 industries. Products that generate a significant amount of greenhouse gases in their production processes are subject to penalties. This is an important task that needs urgent implementation as Thailand is an export-dependent country, even though the export proportion has decreased recently.

The recent COP29 conference (Conference of the Parties) held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024 saw Thailand actively engaging with other nations in addressing global climate change issues while promoting the country's efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions. Thailand prepared to present five key issues as follows:

1. Drive Thailand's greenhouse gas reduction action plan to meet the nation's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming for a reduction in emissions by 30-40% by 2030, which could see Thailand reducing emissions by 43%, equivalent to 222 million tons of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2eq).

2. Implement climate change adaptation plans so that relevant agencies integrate climate change adaptation issues into specific sector plans and strategies, including the establishment of national climate data and climate change risk information.

3. Accelerate the enactment of Thailand's Climate Change Act, anticipated to take effect in 2026, which will be a key instrument towards Net Zero, such as mandating the establishment of databases and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, as well as creating mechanisms for mandatory emission reductions.

4. Present examples of collaborative efforts from all sectors, following the third Thailand Climate Action Conference (TCAC 2024).

5. Submit a bi-annual transparency report, which Thailand has scheduled to be submitted by December 2024, as per the timeline.

Moreover, Mr. Kriangkrai projected the future of Thai industry, emphasizing the need to focus on green industrial development and the adoption of clean technology, with the pursuit of Net Zero positioning "sustainability" as the fundamental goal.

In conclusion, Mr. Kriangkrai stated that currently, the FTI comprises 47 industrial groups, and Thailand's focus should be on promoting existing industries by enhancing their competitiveness while also driving new industries that will serve as new engines for economic growth and sustainable development, which will present future solutions and opportunities for the country.