“Tono” ready for Mekong charity swim despite brickbats

13 Sept 19:19 Key points summarised by AI

Thai celebrity Phakin “Tono” Khamwilaisak is set to undertake a 15-km charity swim across the Mekong River on Saturday, despite mounting safety concerns and criticisms.
The “One Man And The River” event aims to raise funds for hospitals in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, and Thakhek, Laos, drawing parallels to rock star Toon Bodyslam's successful fundraising marathon.
Shrugging off “brickbats” regarding strong river currents and potential strain on local resources, Tono remains resolute, having already secured over six million baht (US$172,000) in donations and expressing full physical and mental readiness for the swim.

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

Yesterday 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).