An examination of the factors enhancing sustainable renewable energy consumption in Thailand during 2000-2020

Abstract

This research examines the key factors enhancing sustainable renewable energy consumption in Thailand from 2000 to 2020, employing a mixed-methods approach. During the quantitative phase, multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA), was used in order to evaluate the influence of various factors. During the qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with 23 individuals from diverse organizations involved in Thailand's renewable energy sector. The quantitative findings showed that policies supporting residential renewable energy, the democracy index, global crude oil prices, and regulatory quality positively correlated with renewable energy consumption. In contrast, policies for the commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors, along with government effectiveness, political stability, renewable power generation costs, and the number of renewable energy investment projects, showed a negative correlation. The qualitative data, through interviewee agreement (both fully and partially), corroborated the significance of these factors in promoting sustainable renewable energy consumption in Thailand during the studied period. The study highlights a complex interplay of factors affecting renewable energy consumption, which is crucial for effective policymaking, and suggests five theoretical contributions to public administration and public policy, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy transition and its policy implications.