Thailand is pushing for a green transition: NDC 3.0 for climate protection by 2029!

Thailand is pushing for a green transition: NDC 3.0 for climate protection by 2029!

On November 20, 2025, the Thai government took a significant step towards climate protection. Cabinet has approved the second National Determined Climate Contribution, known as NDC 3.0, with the aim of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin demonstrate their commitment to climate protection and the international obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

For the next five years, specifically from 2025 to 2029, Thailand plans to limit net greenhouse gas emissions to a maximum of 152 million tons of CO2 equivalent. This ambitious target represents a reduction of 47% compared to the base year 2019. The NDC 3.0 covers five main areas: energy and transport, industry, agriculture, waste management and forestry/land use. A significant part of the measures - a full 70% - are to be implemented with national resources, while 30% are dependent on international technical and financial support.

Long-term climate goals

Thailand's long-term goals are equally impressive. The country is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. These measures should not only contribute to reducing emissions, but also limit the global temperature increase to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius. With NDC 3.0, Thailand aims to strengthen its role in international environmental forums and instill confidence among foreign investors, which is highly important as part of the government's sustainable development strategy.

Progress and adjustments

Thailand has already committed to defining its climate goals at the World Climate Conference in Glasgow in 2021. The revision and determination of these Nationally Determined Climate Contributions (NDCs) is part of a process that also includes the upcoming COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. Compared to previous targets, Thailand now plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 40% by 2030 compared to forecast business-as-usual levels. This represents a significant adjustment as previously the target was only 20%.

In addition, the National Energy Plan (NEP) is being developed, which is crucial for a sustainable energy future. The first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) was also approved in April, representing further progress towards effective climate adaptation. In addition, Thailand supports the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which forms a central part of the fifth national strategy and action plan on biodiversity (NBSAP 2023-2027), which is to be published before the KbD COP16 in 2024.

These developments show that Thailand is not only ready to take its commitments seriously, but is also actively working towards sustainable, environmentally friendly growth. Bangkok Biz News sees the NDC 3.0 as an important step in promoting international climate action, while International Climate Initiative points to the expanded climate targets that are to be revised in the next few years. Even if the implementation is challenging, the hope lies in an engaged society and the support of the international community.