At COP29 in Baku, developed-country parties such as the EU, the US and Japan agreed to help raise “at least” US$300 billion a year by 2035 for climate action in developing countries.

Studio EB A closer look at how these ‘energy transition’ deals are backed reveals gaps in the lending policies of banks in the Mekong subregion. A 1,460-MW dam, now under construction near the Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage Site, will see all its electricity sold to Thailand, but critics have pointed out that the nation is facing an oversupply of energy.

The Thailand Taxonomy, now under development, should be integrated into disclosure regulations and these reporting rules need to be made mandatory, say financiers and experts at the inaugural Unlocking capital for sustainability Thailand forum.

The city's plans to halve emissions by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050 may be ambitious. But NGOs tracking its policy direction over the years are not convinced and demand a more measurable roadmap with interim goals – not just long-term pledges.