Maritime Logistics Institute (MLI) under the supervision of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) organised a practical seminar on the "Development of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards the sustainable development goals of Thai ports." The endeavour is to present important knowledge and push for collaborative development to achieve sustainable goals in line with national and international policies.
The seminar, chaired by Mr. Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, Director General of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) on 7 March 2024, aimed to present crucial knowledge and encourage all sectors to collaborate in development towards sustainable goals and to achieve the goal as stated in PAT’s vision, which aims to ‘become a leading global port standard with excellent logistics services for sustainable growth in the year 2030’. Key figures from various sectors including government agencies, private sectors, and media attended the event on the 19th floor conference room of the PAT headquarters.
The seminar covered two main topics: "Mix for Sustain," focusing on energy management for sustainable organisational growth, and "PAT GO GREEN," aiming at sustainable development goals for Thai ports. The speakers included experts in various fields who shared valuable insights and strategies for sustainable development, including Dr. Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, Director General, Energy Policy and Planning Office, Mr. Nunthanis Wongvatana, Director of Alternative Energy Development Division, Mr. Kittisak Wannakaew, Assistant Governor Strategy (Corporate Affairs) Provincial Electricity Authority, Mr. Rongphet Bunchuaidee, Deputy Executive Director Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (Public Organisation), Mr. Nuttavut Intarode, Director-Sustainable Development at Siam Cement Group, Mr. Theerapong Sangkain, Managing Director of Teamwork Consultant Co., Ltd. and Mr. Sakayong Pattanavekin, founder of Vekin (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Mr. Kriengkrai stated that “In our development efforts, PAT collaborates with our partners to fulfil the country’s mission within the framework of the SDGs, emphasising the importance of the 5Ps: People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnership. In this regard, PAT prioritises the environment, with the development of ports aiming to become leading green ports globally. Currently, we utilise clean energy technologies to replace fossil fuels, such as installing solar panels, using electric forklifts, and engaging in reforestation activities, which help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the issue of PM2.5 pollution. PAT expressed confidence that the seminar would benefit future collaborations between businesses, with PAT ready to utilise the knowledge gained to further develop Thailand's transportation and logistics sector.”
Dr. Veerapat discussed the 'Energy Situation and Energy Management Plan of Thailand,' where the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has set goals in line with the direction towards clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, while also ensuring sustainable energy security. They have implemented the 4D1E policy, consisting of Digitalisation, Decarbonisation, Decentralisation, De-Regulation, and Electrification, covering five main areas: electricity, oil, natural gas, alternative energy, and energy conservation. Plans are aligned with policies to transition towards Energy Transition, supporting the country's economic growth.
Additionally, Mr. Rongphet elaborated on 'Preventing Climate Change and Measures to Support Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction.' Thailand ranks 22nd globally in greenhouse gas emissions and is affected as the 9th most impacted country. Therefore, Thailand has set three policy goals: 1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by 2030, 2. Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050, and 3. Transition to Net Zero by 2065. Thus, efforts to reduce carbon emissions or transition to Net Zero must rely on cooperation from all sectors. Management and administration must adapt or utilise various mechanisms to ensure sustainability.
As a key mechanism driving Thailand's economy, PAT is committed to developing ports into regional logistics hubs under environmentally friendly port policies to achieve sustainable growth.
