In an insightful discussion, Pichaya Moeller shared her perspective on urban development and sustainable cities, highlighting the relevance of this field for Thailand's future. "Urban development is a part of our daily lives. When you look at the challenges in urban development, they cut across various dimensions—such as the economy, human capital, and the environment," Moeller stated. Recognizing the many challenges that remain in Thailand, she emphasized her desire to contribute through policy initiatives to positively impact citizens.
Moeller identified key challenges in making Thailand's cities more sustainable, including a lack of integrated planning, limited green spaces, climate risks, and infrastructure strain. She stressed the need for substantial financial investment, noting, "THB 779 billion (USD 22 billion) is needed for renewable power, and THB 974 billion (USD 28 billion) for energy efficiency across sectors from 2022 to 2037." Despite these financial challenges, Moeller sees opportunities in low-carbon interventions, nature-based solutions, and smart city innovations, stressing that Thailand can adopt these approaches to create more sustainable urban environments.
In discussing past projects, Moeller recounted her work on urban heat challenges in Bangkok, a city plagued by the "urban heat island effect." This project involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), medical experts, architects, and think tanks, to devise strategies to enhance the city's livability. She expressed hope that these strategies could be adapted by other cities in Thailand and beyond.
Moeller encouraged young women interested in urban planning to engage with the issues, saying, "There are many ways you can contribute to shaping the future of our cities... The more you engage with these topics, the more you’ll grow and understand the power of collective action in building better cities for all."
When asked about inspiration, Moeller mentioned multiple people, particularly her sister and mother, who have been supportive and shown her that "anything is possible with full commitment and strong dedication."