Industry Ministry seeks help to curb illegal sugarcane burning

13 Sept 11:43 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Industry Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to curb illegal sugarcane burning in 15 provinces, a significant cause of increasing air pollution.
Between December 1st and January 31st, nearly 30% of the 15 million tonnes of sugarcane crop was burned, equivalent to 240,000 hectares, making it a major generator of PM2.5 dust.
Farmers burn sugarcane to reduce transportation costs and manage leaves, despite the severe negative impacts on public health, the environment, and the tourism industry, as evidenced by numerous satellite-detected hotspots across the country.

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).