0:00
0:00
Trump’s Fossil Fuel Policies Could Help Lower Thailand’s Electricity Prices, Says Gulf Energy CEO
Sarath Ratanavadi of Gulf Energy Development highlights how US pro-fossil fuel policies and Thailand’s energy infrastructure could reduce electricity costs.
Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Development, has suggested that US President Donald Trump’s policies promoting fossil fuel production could offer opportunities for Thailand to reduce electricity prices.
Speaking at the 'Chula Thailand Presidents Summit 2025' in Bangkok on February 3, 2025, Ratanavadi pointed to the positive impact that fossil fuel developments, especially natural gas, could have on energy prices in Thailand.
He specifically highlighted the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant, the country's cheapest electricity source despite its carbon dioxide emissions, as an example of how fossil fuels keep electricity prices low.
Ratanavadi also noted that the stabilizing global price of natural gas, coupled with Trump’s support for gas and oil production, could further drive down electricity costs.While acknowledging the rising popularity of green energy, such as solar and wind power, Ratanavadi stated that Gulf Energy is pursuing investment in both traditional and renewable energy projects.
These include gas-fired and combined-cycle power plants in the US, as well as an offshore wind power plant in Britain.
On the topic of nuclear energy, he admitted that nuclear power remains a new concept for Thailand, and suggested that the government should lead investments in nuclear energy, given delays in foreign investment.Ratanavadi also discussed the future of technology-driven industries, including telecommunications, cryptocurrency, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
He emphasized that the rise of digital currency could position countries such as Thailand at a disadvantage if they fail to invest in digital assets.
In particular, he highlighted Phuket’s potential to become a hub for digital and cryptocurrency investments, citing the island's popularity with foreign visitors.Regarding Thailand’s economic outlook, Ratanavadi expressed confidence that the ongoing global trade tensions would not significantly affect the Thai economy, as a majority of the country’s exports are directed to China.
He also noted that the weakening Thai baht could encourage more foreign tourism.
However, he called for the government to address domestic issues such as public debt, household debt, and automobile distribution to ensure sustained economic growth and social development.
Speaking at the 'Chula Thailand Presidents Summit 2025' in Bangkok on February 3, 2025, Ratanavadi pointed to the positive impact that fossil fuel developments, especially natural gas, could have on energy prices in Thailand.
He specifically highlighted the Mae Moh coal-fired power plant, the country's cheapest electricity source despite its carbon dioxide emissions, as an example of how fossil fuels keep electricity prices low.
Ratanavadi also noted that the stabilizing global price of natural gas, coupled with Trump’s support for gas and oil production, could further drive down electricity costs.While acknowledging the rising popularity of green energy, such as solar and wind power, Ratanavadi stated that Gulf Energy is pursuing investment in both traditional and renewable energy projects.
These include gas-fired and combined-cycle power plants in the US, as well as an offshore wind power plant in Britain.
On the topic of nuclear energy, he admitted that nuclear power remains a new concept for Thailand, and suggested that the government should lead investments in nuclear energy, given delays in foreign investment.Ratanavadi also discussed the future of technology-driven industries, including telecommunications, cryptocurrency, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
He emphasized that the rise of digital currency could position countries such as Thailand at a disadvantage if they fail to invest in digital assets.
In particular, he highlighted Phuket’s potential to become a hub for digital and cryptocurrency investments, citing the island's popularity with foreign visitors.Regarding Thailand’s economic outlook, Ratanavadi expressed confidence that the ongoing global trade tensions would not significantly affect the Thai economy, as a majority of the country’s exports are directed to China.
He also noted that the weakening Thai baht could encourage more foreign tourism.
However, he called for the government to address domestic issues such as public debt, household debt, and automobile distribution to ensure sustained economic growth and social development.
