Thailand launches solar energy subsidies and flood management studies

The Thai government has introduced several major initiatives aimed at energy security and flood mitigation. A new solar rooftop program offers households a 50,000-baht subsidy to encourage renewable energy adoption, with a goal of reaching one million households. To support this, state banks are providing low-interest loans at 2.5% annual interest over seven years for solar installations up to 10kW. Participants may also sell surplus electricity back to the national grid.

In terms of infrastructure, the government is preparing to study a large-scale flood relief project involving a drainage canal connecting Chai Nat, Pa Sak, and the Gulf of Thailand. To support this study, the World Bank has provided a $3.51 million grant (approximately 115.5 million baht). The funds will be used for engineering reviews, economic feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and land expropriation frameworks to improve water management in the lower Chao Phraya River basin.