Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§43 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Forestry |
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Under the National Forestry Policy of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand aims to achieve a total forest area of 40% (20.4 million hectares). 25% of Thailand's total area (12.75 million hectares) should be protected forest in order to preserve the environment, soil, water resources, and wild fauna and flora; prevent natural disasters; conduct research and development; and provide for recreational activities. 15% (7.65 million hectares) of Thailand's total area should be devoted to commercial purposes. To encourage a significant increase in commercial forestry, various incentives are provided. Commercial forestry was listed as one of the Board of Investment's activities of special importance and benefits to the country in 2014. Uncapped corporate income tax exemptions for eight years and other fiscal incentives are available to approved economic forest plantation projects, which must be at least 300 rai (48 hectares) and involve research and development activity. Additionally, the Royal Forest Department offers research and development services to promote faster tree growth and prevent pests. It also donates young trees for planting.
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Forest
Natural resources
Environment
Wildlife
Water
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-I§13 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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Ongoing energy price reform, which has already resulted in less price differentiation across different fuels while increasing the fiscal revenue, includes an adjustment in the rate of contributions from oil and gas sales to the Government's Oil Fund, and an increase in the excise tax rate on diesel (sections 3.4.2.4 and 4.5.1). These measures should ensure that energy prices will increasingly reflect the true costs of energy, thus promoting more efficient energy consumption and eliminating distortions, i.e., large price cross-subsidies between energy sources and consumers. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-Summary§14 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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Despite its significant energy endowment and energy policy being focused on becoming energy independent, Thailand remains a net and growing energy importer, reflecting robust domestic demand. Various incentives are being offered to support renewable energy products. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§2 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
Relevant information
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(...) Various incentives are being offered to support renewable energy products. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§47 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
Relevant information
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The Government's energy policy is focused on becoming energy independent while maintaining stable and fair prices, supporting the production of renewable and alternative energy and promoting energy conservation. (…)
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Keywords
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Renewable
Energy
Conservation
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§48 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
Relevant information
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Thailand's Power Development Plan (PDP) is the master plan for the long-term development of the power system; it aims to fulfil the country's demand for electricity and promote economic growth. In December 2014, the National Energy Policy Council approved the framework of the PDP2015, which will cover the period up to 2036. It has (mid-2015) been submitted for Cabinet approval. Its focus is in three areas: (a) to enhance the energy security of Thailand through fuel diversification (reducing the use of natural gas as the major energy source); (b) to produce electricity at a reasonable cost for both residential and business sectors to support Thailand's long term development and promote energy efficiency; and (c) to alleviate environmental and social impacts (especially CO2 emission reductions). As set out in the plan, fuel share targets in 2036 are: imported hydropower (15-20%); bituminous and lignite (20-25%); renewable energy (15-20%); natural gas (30-40%) and nuclear (0-5%). Two other plans have been revised to also cover the period 2015-2036, so to coincide with the PDP2015. These are the Alternative Energy Development Plan and the Energy Efficiency Development Plan. [41] Moreover the Ministry of Energy is developing an Oil Plan and a Gas Plan, in order to have the country's first Integrated Energy Blueprint.
[41] The Alternative Energy Development Plan (2015-2036) aims to promote the use of renewable energy for power generation by 2036. The projected breakdown would be: biomass (5,570 MW); biogas (600 MW); solar (6,000 MW); wind (3,002 MW); hydro (3,282.4 MW); municipal solid waste (MSW) (500 MW); and energy crop (680 MW). The Energy Efficiency Development Plan (2015-2036) has a target of reducing energy intensity (i.e. the ratio of energy consumption to GDP) by 30% in 2036, compared to 2010 through energy saving and efficiency programs.
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Keywords
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Renewable
Energy
Emissions
Environment
Bio
Waste
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§65 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
Relevant information
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(...) The ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) issues licences to privately owned power and natural gas operations; settles disputes between consumers and operators and makes disbursements under the Power Development Fund. The Fund is, inter alia, used to: (...) promote the use of renewable energy and low impact technology in electricity generation. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§49 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
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(...) Within the Ministry, the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) develops energy policies, including plans for managing energy shortages and improving conservation as well as coordinating, monitoring, and overseeing implementation of government policy. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§50 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Sectors |
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Energy |
Relevant information
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Likewise, there have been no changes to the main laws governing the energy sector: the Petroleum Act (1971); the Petroleum Income Tax Act (1971); the Fuel Trade Act (2000); the Energy Conservation and Promotion Act (1992, amended in 2007); and, the Energy Industry Act (2007). (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/326 |
S-IV§58 |
Thailand |
2015 |
Measures |
Tax concessions |
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Ethanol blended gasolines with a concentration of 20% ethanol (E20) and 85% ethanol (E85) (largely used by certain automotives) are subsidized in order to promote the use of renewable energy, particularly biofuel. Subsidies are provided through the Oil Fund mechanism; the more ethanol is blended, the higher the subsidy from the Oil Fund. These ethanol blended gasolines are also subject to lower taxation.
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