Paris: Thailand has pledged to deepen cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA) across all dimensions as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and address the global energy crisis.
The move followed talks between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and IEA executive director Fatih Birol in Paris on Friday. The meeting, held at IEA headquarters, focused on energy security, transition to clean energy and the expansion of strategic cooperation between Thailand and the agency.
Mr Birol praised Thailand's energy policies as heading in the right direction, aligning with global energy trends at a time when many countries are facing mounting energy challenges, said government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.
He commended Thailand for accelerating reviews of its energy policies and taking real steps towards clean energy transition, reaffirming the IEA's readiness to support Thailand through technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, technology transfer and connections with global energy business networks.
Meanwhile, Mr Anutin said Thailand places importance on balancing energy security with measures to ease the cost of living for the public.
The government has continued to manage energy costs while pushing forward energy transition policies such as the promotion of renewable energy, he said.
Ms Rachada quoted Mr Anutin as saying that Thailand is ready to elevate cooperation with the IEA in all areas, particularly in energy capability development, policy dialogue on energy security and joint emergency response exercises.
Mr Anutin also expressed Thailand's commitment to eventually becoming a permanent member of the IEA. During the meeting, he sought the agency's support for Thailand's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Mr Birol assured Thailand the IEA would fully support the application process.
Mr Anutin also invited Mr Birol to attend Gastech 2026 in Bangkok in September. The IEA chief immediately accepted the invitation, with both sides agreeing to use the event as an opportunity to deepen energy cooperation.
Gastech is regarded as one of the world's largest exhibitions and conferences covering natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen and alternative energy industries, attracting tens of thousands of participants from more than 150 countries.
Later in the day, Mr Anutin met Unesco Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany at Unesco headquarters to strengthen cultural diplomacy and cooperation.
Thailand has eight World Heritage sites and aims to balance conservation of cultural and natural heritage with national development.
Mr Anutin expressed hope that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province would be considered for inscription as a World Heritage site during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in South Korea in July.
He also pushed for the inscription of the traditional Thai dress, also known as Chut Thai, on Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Mr Anutin said the proposal reflected Thai wisdom, craftsmanship and cultural identity while also honouring Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother for her dedication to preserving and promoting Thai textiles and fabrics internationally.
Mr El-Enany, meanwhile, welcomed Thailand's efforts to expand cooperation with Unesco in several areas.
He also acknowledged the willingness of Thai private sector groups to participate more actively in Unesco initiatives, particularly in sustainable tourism.
