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The heat is turning up in Chiang Mai, but the air conditioner will no longer be of much help as the local government requests all air conditioners be set to 26 or 27 degrees celsius.
This push is part of a broader national campaign, as Thailand responds to an ongoing energy crisis with roots in escalating Middle East tensions.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the measures to begin on 10 March, with Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon launching a formal campaign a week later. Now, Chiang Mai Governor Rattapol Naradisorn has rolled it out across all sectors – both private and governmental.
Air conditioning, once a solace for anyone looking to survive Thailand's summer, is now encouraged to sit between 26 and 27 degrees celsius, doors and windows should be kept closed and units switched off the moment the working day ends. While reasonable on paper – during a Chiang Mai March, it is a lot.
The measures don't stop at temperature either. Offices are being urged to cut paper use and shift to electronic documents, turn lights off in empty rooms, and the lift – unfortunately – discouraged in favour of the stairs. He’s also asked businesses who can, to operate work-from-home protocols to reduce energy and petrol use, and shift meetings online.
Officials have also been told to ditch the tie and wear short-sleeved shirts, except during ceremonies, which may be the most quietly radical part of the whole thing.
There's also no official end date. The campaign runs until the situation eases – and if it doesn't, harder measures are already on the table, including petrol station closures and limits on billboard brightness after 10pm.
In the meantime, if the 27 degree decree rule is getting to you, we hear the mall remains an icy-cool option.