Royal Thai Navy chooses Israeli-made Hermes 900 Kochav drones

13 Sept 16:37 Key points summarised by AI

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has selected Israel's Elbit Systems to supply seven Hermes 900 Kochav drones for approximately four billion baht, winning an international bid.
A formal contract for the acquisition is anticipated to be signed within 30 days, following approval by the Defence Permanent Secretary General.
These Hermes 900 Kochav drones, known for their long endurance and high altitude capabilities, will be deployed at coastal naval bases for reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications relay missions.
The procurement faced accusations of non-transparency and favoritism from opposition MPs, who questioned the switch from Chinese to Israeli drones, but the RTN has dismissed these claims.

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).