PM’s Office urges WFH and power-saving measures amid energy crisis

2026-03-11 - 07:13

BANGKOK — 11 March 2026, Government agencies under the Office of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat have been instructed to adopt energy-saving measures, including work-from-home arrangements, following cabinet approval of policies aimed at easing pressure from the Middle East energy crisis. A Government House source said on Wednesday that the Secretariat of the Prime Minister (OPM) circulated a notice to executives of agencies under its supervision — including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Government Spokesperson’s Bureau, the Ceremonial Division and the Public Sector Development unit — urging them to adjust working arrangements to reduce energy consumption without disrupting official duties. Under the guidance, departments may allow staff to work from home (WFH) where appropriate, enabling personnel to perform duties outside government offices. However, employees can be called back to the workplace immediately if urgent tasks arise. At the Government Spokesperson’s Bureau, officials set a target for about 50% of staff to work remotely, depending on each unit’s responsibilities. Additional measures include switching off lights between 12:00 and 13:00, turning off air conditioning at 15:30, and shutting down computers when not in use or enabling Energy Saver mode. Civil servants and staff have reportedly shown strong cooperation with the government’s energy-saving measures. Other agencies within Government House are expected to consider similar adjustments, with each organisation determining appropriate working arrangements and encouraging personnel to comply with the policies.