From 13-14 November 2025, the IMPROVE (Introducing Measures, Pathways and Roadmaps for Optimising Vehicle Efficiency and Electrification) Project, implemented by GIZ Thailand, in collaboration with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) hosted a workshop entitled ‘Driving Accuracy for Fuel Efficiency and Policy Design’ in Sriracha, Chonburi to strengthen coordination between government agencies in advancing data-driven and evidence-based climate policy in the transport sector.
Discussions focused on Thailand’s transport emissions and mitigation pathways under NDC 3.0 and the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), emphasising that the achievement of national targets depends on the robustness of emissions monitoring systems.
The workshop highlighted the international shift toward more realistic vehicle emissions testing methods, such as the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and Real Driving Emissions (RDE), which provide more accurate reporting of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Participants agreed that transitioning to these standards requires laboratory upgrades, staff training and policy adjustments.
The workshop also examined how vehicle testing standards directly influence policy such as CO₂-based taxation, vehicle labelling, fleet compliance mechanisms and fuel economy regulations. International experiences were shared to illustrate how regulatory baselines, conversion factors and incentive structures could be managed during transitions between test cycles to maintain policy continuity and transparency.
On the second day, group discussions explored how improved testing accuracy could support future policy development and strengthen national emissions reporting systems. These discussions were linked to ongoing policy initiatives, including the Low Carbon Pickup Truck Programme, vehicle trade-in schemes and the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard. Participants agreed that updating testing standards should be approached as a system-wide reform, requiring coordinated governance, clear institutional roles and sustained cross-agency communication.
The workshop reinforced the importance of accurate vehicle testing standards and high-quality data as a foundation for evidence-based transport and climate policy. Strengthened collaboration among government agencies, enhanced technical readiness, and alignment with international practices will support Thailand’s long-term transition towards cleaner, more energy-efficient mobility, while improving the credibility and effectiveness of national climate action.
Technical input was provided by the Thailand Automotive Institute. The workshop was attended by relevant government agencies, including the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), Department of Land Transport (DLT), Board of Investment (BOI), Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and Pollution Control Department (PCD).
Papondhanai Nanthachatchavankul
Project Manager of IMPROVE
Email:papondhanai.nanthachatchavankul@giz.de
