Country Profile: Thailand

Last Document Update: 23 June 2012

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CONTENTS

1 BACKGROUND 3

2 LIGHTING PHASE-OUT 3

2.1 Low Efficiency Fluorescent Lamps Phase-out Program 3

2.2 Incandescent Lamps Phase Out Program 3

3 TEST METHOD AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 3

3.1 Standard Development Process 3

3.2 Test Method Standards 5

3.2.1 CFLs 5

3.2.2 Fluorescent Ballasts 5

3.2.3 Fluorescent Lamps 6

3.2.4 Incandescent Lamps 6

3.3 Performance Standards 6

3.3.1 CFLs 7

3.3.2 Fluorescent Ballasts 7

3.3.3 Fluorescent Lamps 7

3.4 Environmental or health-based standards 7

4 LABELS 7

4.1 Mandatory 7

4.2 Voluntary 7

4.2.1 Thai Green Label Scheme 7

4.2.2 Energy Efficiency Labelling No. 5 Programme 8

4.2.3 Feasibility Study for LEDs 10

5 ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS 10

6 TESTING CAPACITY 11

7 SUSTAINABILITY/END-OF-LIFE TREATMENT INITIATIVES 11

8 OTHER MEASURES TO STIMULATE LIGHTING EFFICIENCY 11

8.1 Building Codes and Labelling 11

8.2 Household Energy Credits 11

9 SUPPLY CHAIN 11

9.1 Manufacturing 11

9.2 Import 12

10 CONSUMER AND COMMERICAL USAGE 12

10.1 Market survey of lighting devices usage in households and consumer’s satisfaction in using CFLs by EGAT (2010): 12

1  BACKGROUND

Thailand has been working actively towards the phase-out of inefficient lighting since the 1990s, with the introduction of voluntary labeling in 1994 and a collaborative agreement with industry running from 1993 to 1995. A range of activities has continued since then, including the introduction of the first Minimum Energy Performance Standards in 2004.

2  LIGHTING PHASE-OUT

2.1  Low Efficiency Fluorescent Lamps Phase-out Program

Under EGAT’s Low Efficiency Fluorescent Lamps Phase-out Program (1993-1995), a collaborative agreement, made in September 1995, with major local manufacturers to cease production of ‘fat’ tubes (40W, 20W) saw the transformation of the market to thin tube fluorescent lamps (36W, 18W) with no direct incentives to manufacturers or consumers.

2.2  Incandescent Lamps Phase Out Program

The extensive market transformation project, the Incandescent Lamps Phase Out Program, operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) from 2007-2010 used a variety of tools (distribution of free lamps and subsidies, awareness raising campaigns and labelling) to promote the permanent use of high efficiency and good quality CFLs in place of incandescent lamps for general lighting service. Partly supported by the Energy Conservation Fund, it focused on a market-based approach without mandatory enforcement.

As a result of this project, the market barrier of high initial cost of CFLs has been gradually reduced (from 120 Baht in 2006 to 96 Baht in 2010 for 1W CFLs) and the number of CFLs carrying the energy efficiency label has increased (from 3 million in 2006 to 7.7 million in 2010), suggesting that customer awareness has been raised. However, a continued focus on product quality standard and customer recognition is intended (through Minimum Energy Performance Standards).

3  TEST METHOD AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

3.1  Standard Development Process

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is the national standards body of Thailand, with a remit to prepare and publish national standards and grant licenses to use the TISI Standards Marks. For energy efficiency (test methods), the development process is initiated by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), part of the Ministry of Energy. For performance standards, the process is initiated by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), part of the Ministry of Industry.

Typically, researching and drafting the standard takes between one and two years, with the new standard becoming effective between one and three years after that.

Parties involved:

·  Ministry of Energy (MoEN) - Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) - www.eppo.go.th, Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) - www.dede.go.th, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) - pr.egat.co.th www.egat.co.th

·  Ministry of Industry (MOI) - www.industry.go.th - Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) - www.tisi.go.th, Electrical and Electronics Institute (EEI) - www.thaieei.com

·  The Illumination Engineering Association of Thailand (TIEA) - www.tieathai.org

·  Engineering Institute of Thailand - www.eit.or.th

·  Office of the Consumer Protection Board - www.ocpb.go.th

·  Foundation of Consumers - www.consumerthai.org

·  Specific engineering and professional associations

Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE)

The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), formerly known as the Department of Energy Development and Promotion (DEDP), is the governmental department authorized to research, develop, supervise, monitor, and operate on the production, transportation, distribution and utilization of energy. The Department's activities also include the development of alternative sources of energy, the implementation of pilot projects, and the specification of regulations and standards for energy production and distribution. In addition, the Department arranges technology transfer, promotion, training and disseminates knowledge related to the public.

Electrical and Electronics Institute (EEI)

The Electrical and Electronics Institute (EEI) is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Industry Industrial Development Foundation. EEI is a center for sustainable development of production, export, research and development potentialities in electrical and electronics industry, towards national and international standards.

Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is the state enterprise under Office of the Prime Minister that is solely responsible for all electric power production and transmission in Thailand. EGAT's activities encompass the development, construction, operation of dams, reservoirs, power plants of various types, transmission system and substations; the production of lignite and its by- products; formulating policies concerning the production and sales of electricity, lignite and lignite by-products.

Energy Policy & Planning Office (EPPO)

Energy Policy & Planning Office (EPPO), formerly known as the National Energy Policy Office (NEPO) was established in 1986, functioning as the focal agency in the development of national energy policies and measures. The main responsibilities of EPPO are to study and analyze energy policies, management and development plans of the country as well as to evaluate any possible effects thereby and to disseminate energy information to concerned parties. Its principle roles are to monitor, evaluate and act as the focal point for coordinating and supporting the implementation under the established energy policies, management and development plans.

Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is the national standards body of Thailand and internationally recognized for its operation. This site offers useful information such as TISI standards, and relevant laws and ministerial regulations.

3.2  Test Method Standards

Thailand has been a full member of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) since 1991, with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) operating as the National Committee and determining the national policy concerning the activities of the IEC. They are participating members of TC34 (Lamps and Related Equipment) and SC34A (Lamps). Most Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) use IEC standards as references.

Thailand has test method standards in place for:

·  Incandescent lamps.

·  Electronic and magnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps.

·  Double- and single- capped fluorescent lamps.

·  Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting service (CFLs).

3.2.1  CFLs

TIS 2310-2549 (2006), Self-Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services: Energy Efficiency Requirements

Reference standard: National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (Australia) Report no.: 2005/12 Minimum Energy Performance Standards – Compact Fluorescent lamps

Year Published: 2006

Year Effective: 2006

TIS 2233-2548, Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services

Reference standard: No information held

Year Published: 2005

Year Effective: 2005

TIS 2234-2548 (2005), Self-ballast lamps for general lighting services: Safety Requirements

Reference standard: No information held

Year Published: 2005

Year Effective: 2005

3.2.2  Fluorescent Ballasts

TIS 1506-2541, A.C. supplied electronic ballasts for tubular fluorescent lamps

Reference standard: IEC 60969

Year Published: 1998

Year Effective: 1998

TIS 23-2521, Ballast for fluorescent lamps – Magnetic

Reference standard: IEC 60921

Year Published: 1978

Year Effective: 1 April 1979

TIS 885-2551 (2008), AC Supplied Electronic Ballasts for Tubular Fluorescent Lamps: Safety Requirements

Reference standard: IEC 60081

Year Published: 2008

Year Effective: 2008

3.2.3  Fluorescent Lamps

TIS 236-2548, Double-capped fluorescent

Reference standard: IEC 60969

Year Published: 2005

Year Effective: 2005

TIS 2334-2550 (2007), Single-capped fluorescent lamps: Energy efficiency requirements

Reference standard: No information held

Year Published: 2007

Year Effective: 2007

TIS 956-2548 (2005), Double-capped fluorescent: Safety Specifications

Reference standard: No information held

Year Published: 2005

Year Effective: 2005

3.2.4  Incandescent Lamps

TIS 4 Part 1-2529 (1986), Thai Industrial Standard for Incandescent lamps

Year Published: 1986

Year Effective: 1986

3.3  Performance Standards

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and High Energy Performance Standards (HEPS) are in place in Thailand for:

·  Electronic and magnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps.

·  Double-capped fluorescent lamps.

·  Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting service (CFLs).

3.3.1  CFLs

TIS 2310-2549 (2006), Self-Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services: Energy Efficiency Requirements (Minimum Energy Performance Standard)

Year Published: 2006

Year Effective: 2006

3.3.2  Fluorescent Ballasts

Magnetic Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps - Thailand - Minimum Energy Performance Standard

Year Published: 10 February 2004

Year Effective: 10 February 2004

Electronic Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps - Thailand - Minimum Energy Performance Standard

Year Published: 10 February 2004

Year Effective: 10 February 2004

3.3.3  Fluorescent Lamps

TIS 2309-2549 (2006), Double-Capped Fluorescent Lamps: Energy Efficiency Requirements (Minimum Energy Performance Standard)

Year Published: 2006

Year Effective: 2006

3.4  Environmental or health-based standards

TIS 1995-2551 (2008), Lighting and similar equipment: Radio disturbance limits

Reference standard: No information held

Year Published: 2008

Year Effective: 2008

4  LABELS

4.1  Mandatory

There are currently no mandatory energy efficiency labelling requirements in Thailand.

4.2  Voluntary

4.2.1  Thai Green Label Scheme

The Thai Green Label Scheme was initiated by the Thailand Business Council for Sustainable Development (TBCSD) in October 1993 as a TBCSD council project. It was formally launched in August 1994 by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) in association with the Ministry of Industry. TISI, NEPO and EGAT are all involved in supporting the scheme. Products or services which meet the Thai Green Label criteria can carry the Thai Green Label. It currently has provision for CFLs, fluorescent lamp ballasts and fluorescent lamps.

Example of Thai Green Label:

Green Label Scheme – CFLs

Year Published: No information held

Year Effective: No information held

Green Label Scheme - Electronic Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps

Year Published: August 1994

Year Effective: August 1994

Green Label Scheme - Fluorescent Lamps

Year Published: August 1994

Year Effective: August 1994

4.2.2  Energy Efficiency Labelling No. 5 Programme

Under the Energy Efficiency Labelling No. 5 Programme Thailand has provision for voluntary labelling for CFLs, ballasts for fluorescent lamps, fluorescent lamps and luminaires.

Energy Efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps Program

Year Published: 2001

Year Effective: 2001

Example of Energy Efficiency Voluntary Label for CFLs:

Energy Efficient Ballast Program -Electronic Ballasts

Year Published: 2009

Year Effective: 2009

Example of Energy Efficiency Voluntary Label for electronic ballasts:

Energy Efficient Ballast Program - Magnetic Ballasts for Fluorescent Lamps

Year Published: 1998

Year Effective: 1998

Example of Energy Efficiency Voluntary Label for magnetic ballasts:

Energy Efficient Double-capped Fluorescent Lamps Program

Year Published: 2009 (T5 lamps)

Year Effective: 2009 (T5 lamps)

Example of Energy Efficiency Voluntary Label for T5 lamps:

Energy Efficient Lighting Luminaires Program

Year Published: 2004 (for T8 lamps), 2010 (for T5 lamps)

Year Effective: 2004 (for T8 lamps), 2010 (for T5 lamps)

Example of Energy Efficiency Voluntary Label for Lighting Luminaires:

4.2.3  Feasibility Study for LEDs

A study is underway to investigate the feasibility of a voluntary labelling program for LEDs.

5  ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS

Spot checks of products carrying the energy efficiency label are carried out by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Random models are purchased from electric appliances shops and department stores countrywide and sent to the government-owned laboratory at the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to be tested for compliance against the relevant test method standard. If the average test result doesn’t comply with the standard (+5%), EGAT will call back all distributed labels of the unqualified models and forbid those models from participating in the energy efficiency labelling program for at least one year.

6  TESTING CAPACITY

The government-owned laboratory at the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is the accredited laboratory for lighting products. A private accredited laboratory, Intertek, also provides facilities for testing lighting products.

7  SUSTAINABILITY/END-OF-LIFE TREATMENT INITIATIVES

Disposal of CFL waste from commercial and industrial premises is regulated under the Hazardous Act 2535, which require permission for removal and disposal of the waste. The waste must be transported and disposed of through specialized means and techniques. The regulation is enforced by the Department of Industrial Works. No regulation applies to the disposal of CFLs from domestic consumers and lamps are usually disposed of as part of the municipal solid waste stream. Thai-Toshiba is the only manufacturer at present which has the facility to recover mercury from used CFLs back to their manufacturing process. Their Fluorescent Lamps Recycle Project is supported by the government as a demonstration site.

8  OTHER MEASURES TO STIMULATE LIGHTING EFFICIENCY

8.1  Building Codes and Labelling

A new lighting element has been included in the Thailand mandatory building codes, although no further information is available on the scope of this. In addition, a pilot project by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) incorporates lighting elements into the voluntary building labelling scheme, the evaluation criteria for which includes day lighting design and use of lighting control systems for energy saving. Again, no further information is available on the scope of this.

8.2  Household Energy Credits

The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) Energy Fund offers personal loans (at 0%) to the general public who are interested in changing to use energy efficiency household electrical appliances, including those carrying the energy efficiency label and those items identified by the Ministry of Energy for energy conservation in household and manufacturing sites.