Thaksin confirms he will return to Thailand on August 22

15 Sept 09:34 Key points summarised by AI

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirms his definite return to Thailand on August 22, ending years of self-imposed exile and stating there will be no more postponements.
Thaksin insists his return date is unrelated to the parliament meeting on the same day to select Thailand's 30th prime minister, though he expresses confidence in the Pheu Thai party's nominee.
Upon his arrival, Thaksin will be treated as an ordinary suspect, escorted to the Supreme Court for an imprisonment warrant, and then transferred to Klong Prem prison.
While a Royal pardon can be applied for by him or his family, if rejected, Thaksin must serve at least two years before a second application can be submitted.

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).