Dissident Russian band returns to stage after Thai detention

14 Sept 02:27 Key points summarised by AI

Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2, vocal critics of Moscow's Ukraine invasion, resumed touring after a controversial detention in Thailand where they faced deportation threats.
Co-founder Egor Bortnik (Lyova) explicitly reaffirmed the band's strong anti-war stance, advocating for Ukraine's liberation and calling for Putin's withdrawal of 'orcs'.
The band's week-long detention in Phuket on immigration charges, despite organizers' claims of proper permits, raised international alarms among Russian dissidents before their release to Israel.
Bi-2 has been in exile since 2022, leaving Russia after refusing to play at war-supporting venues, and continues to tour, meet with opposition figures, and voice their views on the conflict's future.

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).