Over the period from May 2025 to April 2026, Thailand's electricity consumption was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with nearly 69% of electricity generated from these sources. Gas was the predominant fossil fuel, making up close to 56% alone. Meanwhile, coal contributed nearly 13% to the fossil fuel mix. In contrast, the clean or low-carbon energy sources comprised around 14% of the electricity generation. Solar energy accounted for almost a third of the low-carbon electricity, contributing about 4.8%, while biofuels and hydropower offered around 4.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Wind energy had a smaller share, contributing about 1.5% to the total electricity generation. Net imports formed more than 17% of Thailand's electricity supply, showing a significant reliance on external sources for electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in Thailand?

Thailand's latest electricity consumption figures show a slight decline when compared to its historical peak in 2024. In 2026, the country's electricity consumption reached 3,192 kWh per person, which is a decrease of 38 kWh per person from the record high of 3,231 kWh per person in 2024. This stagnation is concerning as increased electricity consumption is critical to support further development and technological advancements. However, there is a positive increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached 451 kWh per person in 2026, representing a growth of 16 kWh per person from the prior record in 2025. This rise in sustainable electricity generation demonstrates Thailand's commitment to increasing its clean energy capacity, although more aggressive action is required to ensure future electricity demands are met sustainably.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Thailand can draw valuable insights from regions with successful solar and nuclear energy programs. Regions like Nevada and California generate 35% and 31% of their electricity from solar power, respectively, showing the potential for solar expansion in areas with similar climatic conditions. The success of nuclear energy in countries like France, where it contributes 67% of electricity, illustrates its reliability and potential for Thailand. Adoption of these strategies could have a transformative impact on Thailand's electricity landscape. By investing in solar and considering nuclear energy's potential, Thailand not only addresses climate change and air pollution issues but also builds a robust energy infrastructure capable of supporting future growth.

History

Looking back at the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in Thailand, there are noticeable fluctuations. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country made modest gains in hydropower, with several years seeing small increases. However, there were also some declines during this period, such as in the late 1990s and early 2010s. Biofuels had notable contributions, especially between 2013 and 2016, with a significant increase in 2016. The recent growth in solar energy, particularly in 2025, highlights a renewed focus on expanding Thailand's green energy capacity. This development signals a promising direction for supporting the nation's low-carbon energy goals, but continued efforts and robust policies are essential to further enhance these clean energy sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.