Opening remarks from Dr Dominika Kalinowska, Director of Transport Projects, GIZ Thailand

On 13 June 2025, the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC), Transport Component, implemented by GIZ Thailand, together with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organised a workshop to discuss cooperation between agencies under the Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) policy to drive sustainable transformation of the transport sector in Bangkok. The workshop was attended by over 30 key stakeholders – including BMA officials, international development partners, and technical experts – who held discussions, exchanged insights and aligned efforts towards advancing LEZs and related activities in Bangkok to support cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility. This collaborative workshop served as a platform to align innovative solutions and inclusive policy design for sustainable transport and air quality improvement, driven by a shared commitment to building a sustainable Bangkok with reduced carbon emissions.

Thosapol Suparee, Deputy Director General of the Environment Department of the BMA, opened the meeting by delving into the BMA’s low emissions agenda – aligned with its Climate Master Plan 2021-2030 – which highlights, among other measures, a ban on trucks entering inner Bangkok during periods of elevated PM2.5 to curb pollution and protect public health. A two-day implementation of the instrument showed promising results: PM2.5 levels in areas subject to enforcement measured around 16% lower compared to areas outside the zoning.

Thosapol Suparee, Deputy Director General of the Environment Department, BMA presents the BMA’s truck-banning initiatives in inner Bangkok LEZs during high PM2.5 periods

International development partners then shared planned and ongoing initiatives to support the efforts of the BMA to introduces LEZs. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group’s Breathe Bangkok project highlighted the value of ‘Clean Air Zones’ to reduce air pollution and climate emissions. UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) presented their expert knowledge on policy recommendations for Bangkok’s congestion charge planning and implementation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) delivered a preliminary framework on LEZs in Southeast Asia and expressed flexible support for the BMA’s initiatives. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) together emphasised their joint support for LEZs and air pollution management in Bangkok through research, policy recommendations, monitoring, enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

GIZ Thailand presents EV adoption and feeder system electrification initiatives, linking outcomes with Bangkok LEZ goals

GIZ Thailand, through the TGC EMC project, showcased the work on electric vehicle (EV) adoption and feeder system electrification within Bangkok’s LEZs, emphasising the work in developing recommendations for ‘First mile-Last mile’ travel to facilitate public transport reach and feasibility studies on the use of electric vehicles within the existing public transport system, as well as collaboration with motorbike-taxi riders as a key step towards electrifying the feeder system to Bangkok’s mass transit.

Participants collaborate on a vision board activity during the participatory workshop session, creatively mapping out shared goals and ideas to support the implementation of LEZs in Bangkok

This was followed by a participatory workshop that encouraged attendees to identify synergies and outline potential areas on a vision board activity for collaboration in advancing LEZ implementation in a more coordinated and strategic manner. The discussion reflected a shared consensus on the importance of close collaboration to mitigate transport sector related GHG emissions, reduce air pollution, enhance public awareness, and incentivise the implementation and enforcement of LEZs within Bangkok.