Exploring ESG Opportunities in South-East Asia: A Country-by-Country Guide (5/7)

Thailand: 

  • Renewable Energy: Thailand has significant potential for renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass resources. The Thai government has set a target of generating 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2037, which presents opportunities for companies to invest in renewable energy projects and build the necessary infrastructure. 
  • Sustainable agriculture: Thailand is a major producer of agricultural commodities such as rice, cassava, and rubber, and there is an opportunity for companies to invest in sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming and precision agriculture. For example, the Thai government has launched a program to promote organic farming and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 
  • Sustainable transportation: Thailand is one of the largest automotive manufacturing hubs in the world, but there is a need for the country to transition to more sustainable forms of transportation. This includes investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, public transportation, and active transportation such as cycling and walking. 
  • Social Infrastructure: Thailand has a growing population and urbanization, and there is a need for social infrastructure such as affordable housing, healthcare, and education. This presents opportunities for companies involved in the development and construction of social infrastructure projects. For example, the Thai government has launched a program to build affordable homes for low-income families, which presents opportunities for companies involved in the construction of affordable housing. 
  • Sustainable Tourism: Thailand is a major tourist destination, but the tourism industry can have negative environmental and social impacts. There is a need for companies to invest in sustainable tourism practices such as eco-tourism, responsible tourism, and sustainable hotel and resort development. This includes companies that provide innovative solutions for sustainable tourism, such as green building technologies and sustainable transportation options. 
  • Waste Management: Thailand is facing a significant waste management challenge, with high levels of plastic waste and inadequate infrastructure for waste disposal and recycling. There is a need for companies to invest in waste management solutions such as recycling, waste-to-energy, and composting. This includes companies that provide innovative solutions for waste management, such as advanced recycling technologies and circular economy business models. 

These are just a few examples of the ESG opportunities in Thailand, and there may be other opportunities in other sectors as well. However, these examples provide a good starting point for understanding the ESG landscape in Thailand.