Greenhouse gas emission from Thailand's AFOLU sector in upper southern: current trends and future projections

Abstract

This study aims to investigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector in Thailand's upper southern region, and to project future emissions through 2030 under two scenarios: Business-as-Usual (BAU) and the National Target (NT) scenario. The study area includes five provinces—Ranong, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Trang—characterized by abundant natural resources, including carbon-sequestering ecosystems such as mangrove forests. However, ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion in these provinces have become major sources of GHG emissions, particularly methane (CH₄) from rice cultivation and livestock, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from forest conversion.

The study employs IPCC guidelines to assess current emissions and project future emissions up to 2030. Results indicate that the current GHG emissions from AFOLU are primarily from livestock (938,149 tons CO₂-eq) and rice cultivation (261,745 tons CO₂-eq). Under the BAU scenario, these emissions are projected to increase to 1.59 million tons CO₂-eq and 292,793 tons CO₂-eq, respectively. Net methane emissions are expected to rise, as reductions in rice emissions are outweighed by increases from livestock. Meanwhile, CO₂ emissions from deforestation are also projected to grow significantly.

Implementation of mitigation measures under the NT scenario is projected to reduce emissions from livestock and rice cultivation by approximately 5 % and 17 %, respectively. Furthermore, to achieve the national GHG emission reduction targets, the application of regional and provincial-specific mitigation strategies—such as alternate wetting and drying techniques in rice paddies, improved manure management, and sustainable land-use practices—must align with both the local context and consistent national policies.