Issuance of new work visas for Thai berry pickers in Finland paused

13 Sept 13:51 Key points summarised by AI

Finland's Embassy in Bangkok has temporarily suspended the issuance of new work visas for Thai berry pickers.
The suspension aims to allow Thai and Finnish representatives to adjust regulations, ensuring fair treatment and enhanced employment protection for foreign pickers.
Thailand's Department of Employment emphasizes that employers must cover all worker expenses and advocates for a long-term government-to-government arrangement to prevent abuse.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed the Thai Foreign Ministry to assist, ensuring this issue does not impact ongoing pre-travel visa exemption talks between the two countries.

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).