share technology knowledge to enable technology transfer on a larger scale. International
financial support mechanisms such as technical assistance and technology transfer funds for
purchasing intellectual property rights for a free distribution of clean energy technologies would
be very valuable to accelerate diffusion of renewable energy technologies for developing
countries1
. Furthermore, efforts are needed to inform the public, through lessons-learned and
experience sharing from other countries, as well as showcasing success stories from pilot or
demonstration projects, for instance. It is therefore crucial that international cooperation through
the UNFCCC focus on these cooperative attempts to unlock the potentials of developing
countries in their contributions towards the global solutions to climate change by addressing
these important identified barriers, making technological solutions more affordable for
developing countries and strengthening the capacity of developing countries to implement these
solutions more effectively and more sustainably. Successful implementation of these ambitious
mitigation plans in Thailand, in addition to our domestic efforts, will be subject to adequate and
predictable access to enhanced means of implementation agreed under the UNFCCC.
Adaptation Efforts
Thailand is a country located in a tropical Southeast Asian peninsula and has 2,420 kilometres
of coastline on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. According to the Fifth Assessment
Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Southeast Asia is one of the
two most vulnerable regions in the world to coastal flooding. In addition, this region is predicted
to face with increased annual mean precipitation and extreme precipitation. Geographically
therefore, Thailand is a country highly vulnerable to adverse impacts of climate change, and is
ranked as the eleventh country most affected by climate-related impacts from 1994–2013.
Thailand is also considered one of the sixteen countries in the "extreme risk" category that are
most vulnerable to the future climate change impacts over the next thirty years. Statistically,
from 1955 to 2005, Thailand experienced an increase of 0.95°C for mean temperature, 0.86°C
for maximum temperature and 1.45°C for minimum temperature. From 1955-2014, number of
rain days in Thailand has significantly decreased by 0.99 day per decade while daily rainfall
intensity increased. National projections indicate heavier rainfalls are expected in areas with
already high precipitation level, such as the southern peninsula, whereas for the arid, inland
northeastern region, precipitation level is expected to decline even further. As a result, severe
flooding and drought can be expected. Severe flooding in a similar magnitude to the 2011 flood
in Thailand could cost as much as US$40 billion to the economy, and led to an estimated 2.5%
drop in global industrial production. The economic loss due to the recent drought can be
estimated as equivalent to 0.52% of the country’s GDP in 2015, with disproportionate impacts to
the agricultural sector, and in particular to subsistent farmers .
Adaptation is therefore top priority in Thailand's national response to climate change. Thailand’s
adaptation efforts aim to enhance climate resilience through the guidance of the Philosophy of
Sufficiency Economy, bestowed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Sufficiency Economy
stresses the middle path as an overriding principle for appropriate conduct by Thai people at all
levels, from family to community to country. “Sufficiency” means moderation, reasonableness,
and the need of self-immunity for sufficient protection from impact arising from internal and
external changes. To achieve this, the application of knowledge with due consideration and
prudence is essential. In particular, great care is needed at every step in the utilization of