The amount of PM2.5 air pollution has increased in Thailand in recent years, driven by multiple factors such as industrial manufacturing, the widespread use of internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, and the open burning of garbage and agricultural crop residue.
In the agricultural sector, the sugar industry contributes a significant amount of PM2.5 emissions due to the widespread practice of burning sugarcane before harvesting. In response, the Bank of Thailand initiated its "Financing the Transition" programme.
Financial sweetener
The central bank, in collaboration with the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), Krungthai Bank (KTB), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), launched a pilot loan programme to reduce PM2.5 pollution in the sugar industry.
The regulator said the loan initiative aligns with government policies aimed at limiting air pollution and promoting environmentally sustainable industrial practices.
