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Published on April 10, 2008

Thai engineers will develop their own solar vehicle and send it to the United Nations climate change talks in Copenhagen next year, having been inspired by Louis Palmer, known as "Mr Solar Taxi".

Kasetsart University's (KU) president Vudtechai Kapila-kanchana said KU would fund its solar technologists to develop the solar taxi, worth around Bt400,000.

"Palmer invited us to join his solar car campaign in Copen-hagen. We have accepted the invitation." Vudtechai said

"Technologically, we are ready to develop the solar taxi prototype and Palmer has agreed to support us," Nontawat Junjareon, dean of the Engineering Department, said.

If they succeed, Thailand will be among the first five countries to join his Copenhagen campaign, Palmer said. The other four are the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The Swiss-born Palmer is driving around the world without using a single drop of petrol. He reached Bangkok yesterday, halfway through his "Swiss Solar Taxi on World Tour". He started in July 2007.

"I want to tell the world that we can stop global warming and that solutions are available," Palmer said.

In 2004, he gave up his teaching career to design a solar vehicle and asked for help from experts as well as support from private companies.

He called his solar vehicle a 'taxi' as it has an extra seat for a passenger. Over 400 people had experienced a ride including the Prince of Jordan and Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett. Palmer aims to have travel over 40,000 km through 40 countries in five continents to lecture 40,000 people on his world trip.

"Response along the way has been incredible, especially in Thailand," Palmer said.

"I hope I can make people realise that it is not technology that makes solar an option, but political will and pubic awareness," he added.

Today, Palmer will exhibit his solar taxi at Central World Plaza, in Bangkok.

By Kamol Sukin

Daily Xpress