Protests against EGAT’s purchase of electricity Luang Prabang Dam

21 Sept 03:55 Key points summarised by AI

Civil society groups in Thailand are protesting EGAT's planned Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for electricity from the Luang Prabang Dam in Laos, citing a lack of public input and heritage impact assessment.
Protesters argue Thailand possesses over 50% electricity reserves and the dam's electricity price is significantly higher than current rates, imposing a costly 'Take or Pay' system on EGAT.
Concerns include unaddressed ecological damage to the Mekong River, such as unnatural water fluctuations and reduced nutrient-rich sediments, which severely impact the livelihoods of riverside communities.
The groups accuse the government of prioritizing dam builders over the environmental and social well-being of people living along the Mekong, particularly given Luang Prabang's status as a World Heritage Site.

Thailand secures US$200m World Bank loan for clean energy and low carbon cities

Today 09:24 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand secured a US$200 million loan from the World Bank to significantly invest in clean energy and low-carbon urban development initiatives.
The program aims to drive clean energy funding and low-carbon growth, ensuring a just transition for small and medium-sized enterprises, workers, farmers, and local communities.
Channelled through the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, the loan will fund energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings and industrial areas, including rooftop solar installations and electrical system modernizations, reducing initial capital burdens via Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).