The campaign resulted in somewhat decrease in power consumption and emission of greenhouse gases.

Compared to a total of 4,240 megawatts of power consumed on April 24, when the highest temperature hit Thailand during the hot season's peak, the volume spent during the 15minute session yesterday measured at 3,170 kilowatts, or 530 units lower.

The amount of carbondioxide detected in the air in six major business areas, which fell into darkness over the 15minute spell, was reduced only 143 tonnes, or 15 per cent compared to April 24, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin.

Apirak claimed that more than two millions households participated by switching off nonessential lights, and said that cooperation contributed by capital residents was beyond expectation. "I hope this campaign, which takes effect on 9th every month, will carry on in the long run, not as a oneoff just today," he added.

The campaign has been heralded as a way to mitigate global warming by reducing the city's excessive energy consumption which contributes to the problem of climate change. The six areas designated for the campaign are Khao San, Chinatown Yaowarat, financial district Silom, Ratchadapisek, New Phetchaburi and Ratchaprasong.

Bangkok is a major source of greenhouse gases with 3050 per cent of total energy consumption concentrated in the city. Statistics show that last year Bangkok residents devoured 206 million kilowatts of electricity, 34 million litres of oil, 400,000 litres of gasohol and 25,000 kilograms of natural gas.

Apirak said switching lights off for 15 minutes in the entire city will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by as much as 4,800 tonnes.

Governor Apirak Kosayodhin earlier called on Bangkokians to join his campaign to mitigate global warming by switching off lights for 15 minutes from 7pm this evening.

He hopes the campaign, coming into effect on the 9th of each month, will help to reduce the city's excessive energy consumption which contributes to the problem of climate change.

Apirak said he wanted to show Bangkok residents that everyone can contribute to avert global warming.

Six major business areas - Khao San, Yaowarat, Silom, Ratchadapisek, New Phetchaburi and Ratchaprasong - are expected to fall into relative darkness this evening as store and billboard light are turned off. Individual are also asked to switch off nonessential household lights.

As the country's capital, Bangkok is a major source of greenhouse gases with 3050 per cent of total energy consumption concentrated in the city. Statistics show that last year Bangkok residents devoured 206 million kilowatts of electricity, 34 million litres of oil, 400,000 litres of gasohol and 25,000 kilograms of natural gas.

Apirak said switching lights off for 15 minutes in the entire city will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by as much as 4,800 tonnes.

Saichai Kirdmongkon

The Nation