Dynamic forces of energy, economic, and environmental factors on Thailand’s load capacity

Thailand’s environmental sustainability, measured through the load capacity factor (LCF), is critical in assessing the balance between ecological resource demand and supply. This study examined the dynamic impacts of fossil fuels, renewable energy, economic growth, population, urbanization, industrialization, technological innovation, agricultural productivity, globalization, tourism, and forestry on Thailand’s LCF from 1980 to 2022. Using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and other advanced econometric techniques, the research identified key drivers of environmental degradation and sustainability. Findings revealed that fossil fuel consumption, economic growth, population size, industrialization, tourism, and urbanization significantly reduce LCF, while renewable energy adoption, forestry, globalization, and sustainable agricultural practices contribute positively to ecological resilience by enhancing LCF. However, technological innovation appears to decrease LCF in the near term, yet it tends to increase environmental quality in the long term. Policy recommendations emphasize accelerating renewable energy transitions, promoting green technologies, sustainable forest management, and adopting sustainable urban and industrial policies to improve Thailand’s long-term environmental health.