8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line - NESDC

23 Sept 03:37 Key points summarised by AI

NESDC reports 8.1 million Thais suffer from multidimensional poverty, with 4.4 million living below the income poverty line in 2021, a slight decrease from 2020 attributed to economic stimulus.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which includes education, healthy living, quality of living, and financial stability, reveals a more severe poverty situation than income alone.
Poverty disproportionately impacts the elderly and non-economic contributors, manifesting as school dropouts, lack of clean water and internet access, malnutrition, and insufficient social security leading to debt.
NESDC recommends improving inter-agency information systems and developing comprehensive policy packages, including financial literacy programs, to address these complex issues.

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).