March 24, 2009
by Amrit Rashmisrisethi

On March 28, the dazzling Bangkok lights will be dimmed, when authorities will call on the public to flick off switches from 8 to 9pm as part of 'Earth Hour 2009'.

Bangkok will be joining 680 cities in 47 countries and even more than twice the number that participated last year;  in a campaign that aims to raise awareness of global warming and the need to save energy.

The switch off will start on Khao San Road, triggering a lights out in other target areas including the Grand Palace and main roads like Silom, Ratchadapisek, Yaowaraj and Petchburi.

Prakob Jirakiti, deputy governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, said that last year's campaign had cut electricity consumption by 30 per cent, or 1,348 megawatts.

'We'll work closely with the police to ensure safety in the areas that are switched off,' he added.

Mr Prakob said that the campaign would be extended to the provinces next year, with Chiang Mai a possible target. 

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