BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Middle East crisis forced Thailand’s cabinet to take drastic energy-saving measures, sending officials home to work and relaxing dress codes in sweltering ministries.
Cabinet forced to act by crisis
Rising tensions in the Middle East had driven global energy prices higher. In response, Thailand’s cabinet pulled the emergency brake on 10 March. It ordered thousands of civil servants to switch immediately to working from home.
Offices keep public services running
At the same time, government doors for citizens remained open. Offices that dealt directly with the public continued normal operations. People applying for a new passport or paying taxes initially noticed little of the imposed savings plan.
Ministers sweat for the state budget
Daily life in the ministries nevertheless changed significantly. Politicians and officials set aside their formal suits and reported for duty in casual clothing. Even at the most recent cabinet meeting, everyone appeared without formal jackets.
The country also reduced electricity consumption in a visible way. All state buildings had to set their air conditioning to exactly 26 degrees Celsius. This cut power use substantially but left staff sweating in the tropical climate.
State cuts costly official travel
Beyond its borders, the state also tightened controls. Officials were barred until further notice from undertaking expensive trips abroad. Only those who absolutely had to attend important global meetings still received a plane ticket.
Universities pause in empty lecture halls
Universities appeared relaxed about the new rules. Science Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul explained that institutions were currently on break. As a result, the deserted campuses consumed hardly any energy.
“Before the new semester starts, the ministry will reassess the situation.”
said Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Science Minister.
Only then would it become clear whether professors and students would also have to teach and learn from home, as the English-language newspaper The Nation reported.
Is this the end of abundance?
The tough measures in Thailand illustrated how quickly geopolitical sparks could jump into everyday life in Asia. When even an emerging economy was forced to put its offices into saving mode, it revealed how vulnerable the world really was. The steps also raised the question of when European states might follow this strict example.