Introduction
	Updated Information and Resources on Energy Policy and Climate Change
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Thailand has a huge potential for renewable energies, mainly lying in biogas, biomass, micro-hydro, wind and solar energy. However, with a rapidly growing energy demand, Thailand’s dependence on fossil fuels remains high. The energy currently relies mostly on non-sustainable fossil sources, with the share of coal showing a rising trend. To reduce this dependence, the increase of renewable energy generation and the introduction of nuclear energy are discussed. Thailand’s proclaimed intention of balancing out its overall economic growth and energy demand now needs to be followed by concrete steps. Increasing energy consumption and growing awareness of pollution, particularly through the transport sector (using two thirds of Thailand's energy!) and electricity production, have led to some first steps towards a more sustainable energy policy in Thailand.

• In December 2006, significant clean energy law upgrades with regard to Very Small Power Producers in Thailand have been approved.
• The "Energy Strategy for Competitiveness 2002-2011" lays down that by the year 2011, 8% of total energy consumption shall be obtained from new and renewable energy sources (so far, less than one percent has been achieved).
• In May 2007, the cabinet approved the “Greenhouse Gas Administration Organization,” which is dealing with the mitigation of greenhouse gases. The focus is on Clean Development Mechanisms with seven projects approved so far.

The challenges now include: overcoming institutional obstacles;  consistent implementation of innovative ideas from various stakeholders and energy providers to improve energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energies in the country’s energy mix. With its work HBF wants to contribute to a sustainable energy policy that is based on social and gender justice. Following-up previous projects, we are continuing our efforts towards the implementation of an inclusive energy policy that ultimately responds to climate change.

Although the problem of climate change is recognized and publicised in Thailand, it has so far been almost exclusively discussed from a scientific perspective, disregarding structural challenges. Providing information to a broader public on global warming and its impacts, as well as on measures how to reduce harmful emissions in daily life, constitutes another of our activities. In recognition of our joint responsibility, we believe a multi-level approach including various key actors and new concepts for the generation of renewable energies is crucial to ensure a sustainable energy policy in Thailand and the Southeast Asian region.