24/01/2008 (The Bangkok Post) - It is high time that Thailand took serious steps to develop sustainable energy sources for a sustainable future. His Majesty the King has called for greater use of biodiesel, gasohol and other alternative energy sources, to reduce the import of oil, which costs the country billions of baht annually.

There has been a lot of hesitation on the part of motorists and other consumers, until the price of crude oil went up to more than $100 per barrel late last year. Prior to this, the Thai public had enjoyed relatively low prices of oil, and thus were not really concerned about energy saving.

The government itself must take the lead by implementing measures to reduce oil consumption and promote alternative energy sources. Unnecessary mega projects may be delayed so that it can focus more fully on alternative energy and sustainable development.

The high price of oil affects everyone. But is is low-income earners who suffer the most from its consequences. In particular, the prices of consumer goods have gone up steadily in recent months.

Regarding alternative energy, the government seems to have no clear direction. On the issue of palm oil, which can be used for both cooking and making biodiesel, various parties concerned have yet to spell out their common strategy.

The ministries of Agriculture, Energy, Industry and Commerce are going their own separate ways _ unlike in Malaysia, where the palm oil industry is fully developed. We hope the next government will give top priority to this important issue. The era of cheap oil has gone. It's time to develop biodiesel, solar and wind power, energy from biomass and many other sources of energy that can be harnessed by each community.