BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has advanced its sustainable development agenda at the high-level forum, “Low Carbon Cities and Energy Security – Building System at Scale: Mobilizing Private Capital. Creating Jobs.”
Key speakers included Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand; Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group; and Payong Srivanich, CEO of Krungthai Bank (KTB). Together, they highlighted the importance of international partnerships, regulatory transparency, and market-driven incentives in attracting private capital for green infrastructure.
The forum focused on three priorities: strengthening policy frameworks for a just transition, increasing corporate demand for carbon markets and Low Carbon Cities (LCC), and expanding industrial green investments through initiatives like I-SPARK and PTT’s platform in Rayong.
Dr. Ekniti stressed that national progress should prioritize economic resilience, clean energy technology, and strong carbon markets, beyond monetary growth. He reaffirmed Thailand’s aim to become a leading Asian hub for green finance and committed to deepening collaboration with the World Bank Group to attract more private capital.
The Krungthai Bank CEO highlighted the financial sector’s role in linking transparent climate projects with carbon buyers. He noted that combining public-private strengths and World Bank Group standards is essential for positioning Thailand as a leading Asian hub for carbon markets and sustainable finance.
The World Bank President commended these public-private initiatives, stating that energy efficiency and low-carbon infrastructure deliver significant cost savings, generate jobs, and foster a trusted environment for private investment across the region. (NNT)
