Two pairs of sacred oxen chosen for Ploughing Ceremony today

14 Sept 06:16 Key points summarised by AI

Two pairs of sacred oxen, "Por" and "Piang" (main), and "Perm" and "Pool" (reserves), were selected for Thailand's annual Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang, presided over by His Majesty the King.
The oxen are chosen based on ancient criteria encompassing their color, shape, size, appearance, and strength, with "Por" and "Piang" donated as a tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The ceremony officially marks the beginning of Thailand's rice growing season, involving sacred oxen ploughing a furrow while court Brahmins sow rice seeds.
Following the ploughing, oxen are offered various foods, with their choices predicting future harvests; additionally, the Lord of the Ceremony selects a cloth length to forecast rainfall and crop abundance.

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).