Bangkok deputy governor Jakkapan Pew-ngam noted that the campaign, which has been held in Thailand since 2008, helped ACBangkok reduce electricity consumption last year by 2,020 megawatts, equivalent to a reduction of 1,057 tons of carbon monoxide and worth Bt8.03 million.

The campaign will be joined by 7,000 cities in 187 countries worldwide, the deputy governor said. The target this year is to reduce the use of electricity in Bangkok by up to 2,000 megawatts.

The campaign is supported by Foundation for Environmental Education for Sustainable Development (Thailand), the World Wide Fund for Thailand as well as other organisations and government agencies.

The campaign also encourages the turning off of lights on such main roads as Silom, Ratchadaphisek, Khao San, Yaowarat and New Phetchaburi.

The city authorities also urged other provinces including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Rayong, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Si Sa Ket, Chiang Mai and Phuket to join in the campaign on that day.

Cooperation for the campaign has increased over the years judging by the numbers of organisations willing to join, Chakkapan said. In 2008, only 35 organisations took part in the campaign. This year the number has increased to 116.

Throughout the nine years since the campaign started, power consumption in Bangkok has reduced 14,344 megawatts or by Bt49.01 million and 72,171 tons of carbon monoxide, he added.