Thai Government Weighs Work-From-Home Policy to Save Energy
Thai Government Weighs Work-From-Home Policy to Save Energy
BANGKOK, March 12, 2026 — Thailand is considering allowing civil servants to work from home as part of government measures to reduce energy consumption amid rising global energy prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The Interior Ministry has instructed government departments, state enterprises and provincial administrations to evaluate remote work arrangements where appropriate, provided public services are not disrupted.
Officials were also told to suspend overseas study trips unless deemed essential and to switch to online meetings or video conferences whenever possible to cut travel and energy use.
The directive comes as governments across Asia seek to manage higher fuel and electricity costs following instability in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy markets and pushed up prices.
Government offices in Thailand have also been urged to implement stricter energy-saving measures, including setting air conditioners at 26–27°C, switching off lights and equipment when not in use, reducing paper consumption through digital documents and encouraging the use of stairs instead of elevators.
Provincial governors were instructed to monitor compliance and coordinate with local authorities to promote energy conservation among officials and the public.
Meanwhile, the Thai Senate said it would follow the government’s guidance by postponing overseas visits and encouraging committees to hold meetings online to reduce travel to the parliament complex. Senate staff may also be allowed to work remotely when necessary.
Thailand’s parliament is scheduled to convene on March 16–17, where lawmakers will consider several issues including the formation of a committee to screen nominees for two vacant seats on the Civil Service Commission.
