Thailand's Energy Ministry has ranked the top 10 most electricity-hungry household appliances and calculated their hourly operating costs. Contrary to common belief, air conditioners do not top the list.

As living costs surge, understanding household appliance energy consumption has become increasingly important. The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency under the Energy Ministry has compiled the ranking with hourly electricity cost estimates to help people make informed decisions about their usage patterns.

Top 10 highest electricity-consuming appliances per hour:

1. Water heater: 2,500-12,000 watts, averaging 10-47 baht per hour

2. Washing machine: approximately 3,000 watts, averaging 12 baht per hour (one 2.5-hour cycle costs about 30 baht)

3. Air conditioner: 1,200-3,300 watts, averaging 5-13 baht per hour

4. Electric iron: 750-2,000 watts, averaging 3-8 baht per hour

5. Rice cooker: 450-1,500 watts, averaging 2-6 baht per hour

6. Electric stove: 200-1,500 watts, averaging 0.80-5 baht per hour

7. Vacuum cleaner: 750-1,200 watts, averaging 3-5 baht per hour

8. Toaster: 800-1,000 watts, averaging 3-4 baht per hour

9. Hair dryer: 400-1,000 watts, averaging 2-4 baht per hour

10. Microwave: 100-1,000 watts, averaging 0.40-4 baht per hour

The figures provided are averages and may vary by brand, model, and local electricity rates. However, they reveal that leaving water heaters on during long showers or frequently ironing small loads are major hidden culprits behind high electricity bills.

Experts recommend choosing appliances with a 5-star energy efficiency rating and maintaining equipment regularly—such as cleaning air conditioner filters or descaling water heaters. Proper maintenance reduces appliance workload and saves money long-term.

A contractor was attacked by a gang of approximately five to six armed men while sitting drinking in front of his home in a residential community in Uthai District, Ayutthaya Province. Four men were injured in the assault, with two in serious condition.

According to Udomsakdi Nari, 27, one of the victims, he and seven fellow contractors who install sprinkler systems were drinking after work in front of their residence when a group of men approached armed with machetes and baseball bats. Without warning or explanation, the attackers immediately began assaulting them. The victims fled for their lives, resulting in four injuries, two of which were serious.

Udomsakdi stated that his group had no previous conflict with the attackers and were unaware of any reason for the assault. They were simply drinking quietly and causing no disturbance.

The wife of one injured man recounted witnessing the attack, including seeing her boyfriend beaten with a baseball bat. She observed another victim, Adul, face-down on the ground being stabbed repeatedly in the back. She pleaded with the attackers to stop, but they continued their assault before fleeing.

Local residents who witnessed the incident reported seeing a woman retrieve what appeared to be a firearm and tuck it into her waist during the chaos, though they could not confirm any transfer of the weapon or definitively identify a gunshot. One loud sound resembling a gunshot was heard, but authorities are still investigating whether it was an actual firearm discharge.

Residents also disclosed that the alleged attackers regularly gather to drink and are known for aggressive behavior, often intimidating passersby and drivers, creating a climate of fear in the community.

Closed-circuit camera footage from the residential community captured the assault, though the camera angle prevented clear identification of the perpetrators' faces. Another camera recorded the group sitting drinking at a tent in front of the residence prior to the incident. Police continue their investigation of the crime scene and evidence.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periwat revealed that the government is advancing its policy on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The government will accelerate land allocation for farming while creating jobs and livelihoods for communities to reduce forest encroachment, enforce laws strictly against offenders, and restore natural resources to their former abundance. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin is closely monitoring operations at Khao Yai National Park following officials' notice to the owner of Imphool Hill Resort—a case that has completed legal proceedings—to demolish all structures within 15 days. Recently, the owner met with the park chief to request permission and has already begun voluntary demolition ahead of the deadline under park officials' supervision to rapidly restore the area to its natural forest state. The government affirms its clear operational principle: fairly protecting the rights of legitimate landowners while transparently verifying farmland rights, and simultaneously pursuing cases against capitalists and forest encroachers equally and without exception. When cases reach final judgment, all structures must be demolished and land returned to the state according to law. Regarding operations at Rai Rak Fa within Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, where law enforcement successfully reclaimed the area, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister has ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants to urgently improve landscaping and upgrade safety standards to develop it as the Erawan Nakhonkrit viewpoint under strict national park regulations, balancing tourism with conservation. No permanent structures will be built that damage nature; only environmentally friendly materials will be used with appropriate land allocation, so the restored forest can fully function as a watershed and wildlife habitat. Tourist area development will proceed under strict safety measures, including tourist service stations, increased ranger patrols, police coordination, designated nature trails and safe photo spots, plus warning signs and visitor management systems, enabling safe and sustainable access to natural attractions. The government prioritizes balanced natural resource management among conservation, protecting people's rights, and strictly enforcing laws against encroachers, while restoring and developing reclaimed areas for public benefit under conservation principles to preserve natural wealth and pass intact forests to future generations.

The government is accelerating measures to protect creative workers in Thailand's film and entertainment industry by establishing new standards for crew members and freelancers, while upgrading welfare provisions across the sector.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Phatdara Rusmit Thongsalueykron stated on July 5 that the Labor Ministry is pushing forward protections for creative workers in the film and entertainment industry. The move follows discoveries that many workers face issues including prolonged work without contracts, unpaid agreed wages, and inadequate insurance and benefits—particularly affecting independent and freelance workers, whose proportion is increasing as the industry expands.

The spokesman said the Labor Ministry is working with the Thai Film Directors Association, the Thai Actors Association, and the creative media industry sector to upgrade employment standards and comprehensive labor protections.

Immediate measures include skills development programs (upskilling and reskilling) through the Department of Skill Development, with professional certification issued to enhance employment opportunities domestically and internationally, as well as increase workers' income.

The Deputy Spokesperson added that the Labor Ministry is promoting fair employment practices through education on labor rights and applicable laws, particularly regarding written employment contracts, wage protection, fraud prevention, and protection procedures for workplace accidents or injuries, so workers can properly exercise their rights.

Regarding workplace safety, the Labor Ministry is establishing a task force with industry representatives to study appropriate working hour standards. This follows feedback that many crew members work continuously over 16 hours daily, affecting health and safety. The ministry will review and adjust relevant laws and measures to align with current industry practices.

The government is also studying improvements to benefits for independent and freelance workers to provide more comprehensive coverage, including healthcare, unemployment protection, and income security after retirement, ensuring all creative workers receive appropriate protections.

Prime Minister's Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced the Community Solar program, which enables homeowners to install rooftop solar systems to generate their own electricity, reduce bills, and sell excess power to the national grid. The initiative transforms citizens from passive electricity consumers into active clean energy producers while reducing long-term fossil fuel dependence.

Citizens can now apply online through their respective electricity providers. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan residents register via the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) My Energy system at https://myenergy.mea.or.th, while those in other provinces use the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) PPIM system at https://ppim.pea.co.th/app/v1/project/solar/detail/6a3df059ee9f0e286c0a1766.

The program will purchase excess electricity at 2.20 baht per unit for 10 years, with a maximum generation capacity of 5 kilowatts per meter. The online portal provides complete eligibility criteria, required documents, and participation terms.

Participation involves clear steps: submitting an online request, qualification verification, results announcement, power purchase agreement, and system inspection before connecting to the grid for safety and standard compliance.

The government has tasked the Interior Ministry, MEA, and PEA with implementing one-stop service to simplify procedures and support citizen convenience. "This program not only reduces electricity costs but gives every household a stake in clean energy production, creates income from surplus power, and collectively builds Thailand's energy security and environmental sustainability," Ratchada stated.

Thailand is accelerating its energy infrastructure restructuring to transition into the clean electricity era, reducing fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy to ensure energy security and create new economic opportunities. Government spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek stated on July 5 that the world is entering a new competitive era where nations compete not just on technology or manufacturing, but on clean electricity production capacity. Clean energy is becoming crucial for attracting investment, exports, and job creation, prompting the government to restructure Thailand's energy sector to compete in the rapidly changing global economy.

According to the latest Statistical Review of World Energy from the Energy Institute, wind and solar energy combined became the largest new electricity source added to global power systems for the first time in 2025. Global electricity demand continues rising, with most new generation capacity coming from low-carbon sources. Wind and solar energy grew 18.3 percent in a single year, clearly demonstrating the world's transition to the clean electricity era.

Rachada emphasized that energy transition is not merely an environmental issue but a matter of national competitiveness. Modern industries—data centers, electronics manufacturing, electric vehicles, food production, and export sectors—all require stable, affordable electricity meeting stricter global carbon reduction standards. If Thailand is unprepared, it risks losing investment and export market opportunities.

The Prime Minister has prioritized energy transition, directing all agencies to implement concrete measures including renewable energy promotion, community solar projects, electric vehicle support, smart grid development, energy storage systems, and dedicated energy loan financing to support projects reducing fossil fuel use with measurable results.

The government is laying the foundation for modern energy infrastructure, including smart transmission systems, energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy management technology to ensure Thailand has a stable, efficient electricity system supporting future industries.

Rachada emphasized that energy transition must involve all sectors—not just government and large businesses. Citizens can install residential solar systems to reduce electricity costs, communities can develop their own energy systems, businesses can reduce costs and improve production standards, while government accelerates essential infrastructure investment. The world is changing now, not in the next decade. Countries preparing clean electricity systems first will attract more investment, create more jobs, and compete better. The government is urgently restructuring Thailand's energy to increase energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, mitigate global energy price volatility risks, and create sustainable economic opportunities.