ASEAN power grid plan in spotlight at Bangkok IMF-World Bank meeting

What happened: At the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, experts said Southeast Asia remains vulnerable to energy shocks and needs to connect power grids regionally. An ADB executive and Thailand's deputy prime minister urged accelerating the project. Key numbers: Panel session held Oct. 14 in Bangkok. Why it matters: High oil prices are hitting businesses and households across the region, and panelists framed faster grid integration as a cushion for that impact.

At the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, experts said Southeast Asia remains vulnerable to energy shocks and needs to connect power grids regionally. An ADB executive and Thailand's deputy prime minister urged accelerating the project.

High oil prices are hitting businesses and households across the region, and panelists framed faster grid integration as a cushion for that impact.