In the past year from August 2024 to July 2025, Thailand sourced more than two-thirds of its electricity from fossil fuels, with gas accounting for over half of this supply. Coal contributed almost 15%, while electricity imports made up around 16%. When it comes to low-carbon sources, these accounted for just over 13% of the electricity mix. Among them, biofuels formed a minority portion, with solar, hydropower, and wind each providing smaller fractions, ranging from about 1.5% to 3.5%. This indicates a heavy reliance on fossil energy, contrasting with the relatively small contribution of clean energy sources.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Thailand?

Electricity consumption in Thailand, unfortunately, appears to be experiencing a downturn. The latest data for 2025 shows a consumption level of 3135 kWh per person, which is a decline from the previous record in 2024 of 3254 kWh per person. This represents a decrease of 119 kWh per person. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also decreased to 422 kWh from the record high of 475 kWh set in 2019. This downward shift in both total and clean electricity consumption raises concerns about Thailand's energy growth and its transition towards more sustainable electricity sources.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Thailand could benefit from studying successful regions around the world, particularly those with strong solar and nuclear contributions. Countries such as France and Slovakia have excelled in generating a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear power, while regions like Denmark and Iowa have been successful with wind energy. By expanding its nuclear and solar capabilities, in line with these examples, Thailand could significantly boost its clean energy footprint, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution.

History

Historically, Thailand's journey towards low-carbon electricity has seen various shifts, particularly in hydropower and biofuels. In the late 1980s and 1990s, hydropower contributed positively, though it faced some setbacks with declining output in certain years. The years post-2000 experienced further fluctuations, but from 2016, there was a notable surge in biofuel energy, although it faced a significant dip in 2021. Solar energy surfaced positively in 2025, but overall, Thailand's strides in clean energy need a more robust and consistent effort, especially in exploring solar and nuclear possibilities, for a sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade