Thailand orders bureaucrats to use stairs and work from home in energy saving drive

BANGKOK, March 10 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered civil servants to conserve energy amid an energy squeeze brought on by the conflict ​in the Middle East, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday, ‌with measures including suspending overseas trips and using stairs instead of elevators.

“The prime minister ordered that starting from today civil servants will work from home,” spokesperson Lalida ​Periswiwatana told reporters, adding that exceptions would be made for officials ​who must serve the public.

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Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy has around 95 ⁠days of energy reserves left, and it has been seeking additional sources ​of liquefied natural gas from the United States, Australia and South Africa, ​according to Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

But it is urgently trying to reduce demand. Lalida said other government measures to conserve energy include setting air conditioning temperatures at 26 ​to 27 degrees Celsius (78.8 to 80.6 Fahrenheit) and wearing short-sleeved shirts instead ​of formal attire like suits and ties.

Nearly 68% of Thailand’s energy needs are met ‌from ⁠natural gas. Over half of its liquefied natural gas is sourced from domestic production in the Gulf of Thailand, while 35% comes from imports, including 13% from neighbouring Myanmar, according to the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission.

Earlier ​this month, Thailand ​also halted energy exports ⁠to all countries other than Laos and Myanmar.

Government officials have been ordered to reduce electricity use at office ​buildings by switching off lights and electrical equipment when ​not needed, ⁠Lalida said. The government will also ask the public to cooperate and encourage energy saving measures such as carpooling.

“If the situation escalates, the government may ⁠consider ​mandatory measures including dimming advertising signs at ​shops, cinemas and businesses and closing gas stations at 10 p.m.,” the government also said in ​a statement.

Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng, Editing by David Stanway

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