Prison officials say Thaksin eligible for parole

13 Sept 19:30 Key points summarised by AI

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible for parole, potentially allowing him to avoid further jail time despite an initial 8-year corruption sentence, which was reduced to one year.
Thaksin has remained at the Police General Hospital for 'health problems' since being transferred there just hours after his initial move to prison last August.
His eligibility for parole is based on a new regulation for prisoners aged 70 and over, handicapped, or seriously ill, which authorities state is intended to relieve prison overcrowding.
Speculation suggests Thaksin, who is 74 and reportedly suffers from multiple illnesses, could be released as early as February without returning to prison.

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).