BANGKOK: Thailand’s Cabinet has approved urgent measures requiring government officials to work from home immediately as part of efforts to cope with the energy crisis stemming from tensions in the Middle East.
According to reports from the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (March 10), the government agreed on a set of emergency measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and managing public-sector operations.
1. Work-from-home policy
All government agencies have been instructed to begin full work-from-home operations immediately until the situation stabilises.
However, agencies that provide direct services to the public will continue operating normally to avoid disruption to citizens.
2. Energy-saving measures in offices
The Cabinet also introduced energy-saving policies within government workplaces.
Officials are being encouraged to remove their suits during meetings and while working, a practice already adopted during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
In addition, all government offices must set air-conditioning temperatures at 26 degrees Celsius to reduce overall electricity consumption.
3. Suspension of overseas trips
The government has also ordered a temporary suspension of overseas study trips for officials at all levels.
Exceptions will be made only for missions considered highly essential, such as important international meetings, which must be carefully reviewed before approval.
Meanwhile, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said universities are unlikely to be significantly affected by the work-from-home directive as many institutions are currently in their academic break.
He added that once the new academic term begins, the ministry will reassess the situation and consider appropriate measures in line with government policy. - The Nation/ANN
