On October 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., Ms. Raweewan Bhuridej, Ph. D., Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, together with Mr. Prasert Sirinapaporn, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and ministry executives, welcomed Mr. Aaron Batten, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and his delegation. The meeting took place in the conference room on the 17th floor of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to discuss opportunities for cooperation and support for the ministry's environmental initiatives.

The Permanent Secretary congratulated Mr. Batten on his appointment as Country Director and expressed appreciation for ADB's continued support for Thailand's environmental efforts. Discussions focused on ongoing technical assistance projects, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, risks associated with marine hazards, floods and droughts, the development of databases on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from Bangkok's transport sector, and the establishment of a sustainable finance ecosystem and green investment support platform. Relevant agencies were instructed to work closely with ADB to achieve tangible outcomes while prioritizing the interests of the country and its people.

Both sides also explored opportunities to expand cooperation on key environmental issues, including transboundary pollution, particularly the monitoring of toxic substances in the Kok River; the promotion of the Nature Positive approach; and the development of innovative financial instruments, such as transition bonds and biodiversity credits, to support biodiversity conservation. Discussions also covered investment opportunities and the development of regional environmental project proposals. ADB expressed its readiness to support Thailand during its ASEAN chairmanship in 2028 and in hosting the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Nature-Positive Action by providing technical expertise and facilitating knowledge exchange. Both parties agreed to build on existing technical assistance and translate cooperation into concrete initiatives supporting Thailand's environmental objectives.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reaffirmed its readiness to work with ADB to advance the sustainable conservation of natural resources and biodiversity while generating benefits and improving the quality of life of people and communities in a balanced manner.