Tony Blair Warns Thailand to Strengthen Energy Security as AI Drives Power Demand

Sir Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), has highlighted energy security as one of the major challenges facing Thailand and other developing economies as the world enters an era of rapid technological change and rising electricity demand.

Speaking at Gastech 2026, Blair said energy security had become central to the sovereignty, security and economic future of every nation.

The global energy landscape is undergoing a major transformation, shaped by the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, volatile oil prices and the rapid development of new technologies. Against this backdrop, around 45 countries have been reassessing their energy policies to ensure access to affordable and sustainable energy while avoiding excessive dependence on any single source.

Blair noted that major global shipping lanes are the lifeblood of international trade. Any disruption or attempt to use these routes as leverage could have consequences far beyond the energy sector, affecting oil prices, inflation, living costs and even fertilizer prices in countries such as Thailand.

For developing economies in ASEAN, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, annual energy demand is expected to continue rising as their economies expand. Growing demand from industry, transportation and households will require governments to ensure that electricity remains both reliable and affordable.

AI Creates New Energy Challenge

Blair also pointed to the rapid development of artificial intelligence as a new source of pressure on global electricity systems.

The expansion of data centers and large-scale computing infrastructure is driving a surge in electricity demand, creating a challenge for governments and energy planners. He stressed that countries must plan their energy systems for future demand rather than waiting for shortages to emerge before taking action.

For Thailand, the issue is particularly significant as the country seeks to attract investment in data centers and other technology-intensive industries. Ensuring an adequate supply of competitively priced electricity will be critical to maintaining Thailand's investment appeal while supporting broader economic growth.

Blair argued that the global energy debate should not be framed as a choice between fossil fuels and renewable energy.

Developing countries still need reliable energy to create jobs, generate income and improve living standards. Natural gas, he said, therefore remains important during the energy transition, while countries simultaneously invest in renewable and other clean-energy technologies.

“We cannot tell developing nations in Africa or other regions to limit their own development. The solution must be grounded in technology, empirical evidence, and practical policies—not in campaigns that are disconnected from people's lives,” Blair said.

Technology at the Heart of Energy Transition

Blair identified technology as a key driver of the next era of energy development, pointing to improvements in energy efficiency, residential solar power, the ability of households to sell surplus electricity back to the grid, artificial intelligence, nuclear power and carbon-reduction technologies.

These technologies, he said, can help countries achieve a more practical and tangible energy transition while maintaining economic growth and energy security.

In his closing remarks, Blair emphasized the management principle of “Policy First, Politics Second.”

He said governments should first identify the right solutions and then build the political consensus needed to implement them. Countries that make long-term decisions based on facts and evidence will be better positioned to withstand an increasingly volatile global environment.

Thailand Hosts Gastech 2026

Gastech 2026, co-hosted by Thailand's Ministry of Energy and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), is being held from September 14–17 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

The event brings together energy ministers from 15 countries, leaders from five international organizations, more than 1,000 executives and speakers, approximately 50,000 participants from 150 countries, and more than 1,000 companies.

The conference features ministerial forums, strategic and technical sessions, energy exhibitions and business-matching activities.

For Thailand, hosting Gastech 2026 provides an opportunity to showcase its energy policies and investment opportunities in natural gas and LNG, renewable energy, hydrogen, bioenergy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and emerging energy technologies.

The event is also expected to strengthen Thailand's position as a regional energy hub and help attract international investors and strategic partners at a time when energy security, affordability and technological transformation are becoming increasingly interconnected.

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