Bangkokians urged to switch off and join global Earth Hour

The BMA has been part of Earth Hour since 2008, where people in key landmarks across the world have switched off their lights to show their concern for the planet. 

Deputy BMA Governor Jakkapan Pewngarm told a press conference on Wednesday that the BMA is joining 262 organisations to participate in the event.

Bangkok's main celebration venue will be Central World plaza in Pathumwan district on March 30. 

Ahead of the day, various district offices will hold related activities, such as a march, a bicycle riding activity and a plant growing activity from March 25.

Jakkapan also said last year's event, in which 121 organisations and establishments took part, was a success with 2,002 megawatt reduction in power usage during the lights-off hour which was calculated to have a cash value of Bt7.86 million or a reduction of 1,026 tons of carbon dioxide.

During a decade of its involvement in Earth Hour, the BMA had succeeded in reducing a total of 10,259 tons of carbon dioxide or Bt64.78 million money saved, Jakkapan said.

Started as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is now celebrated in 188 countries as a global moment of solidarity and action to save the planet.