As Vietnam continues its rapid economic development, the demand for sustainable and reliable energy sources has never been more critical. Solar power has emerged as a key component of Vietnam’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint. Recent developments of the regulatory framework governing solar power projects in Vietnam, as discussed below, highlight the country’s commitment to renewable energy and its efforts to create a conducive environment for solar power investments. Objectives for the Development of Solar Power Projects On May 15, 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 500/QD-TTg, approving the National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050 (“PDP VIII”). Following this, on April 1, 2024, the Prime Minister promulgated the Implementation Plan for PDP VIII (“Implementation Plan”). These documents underscore Vietnam’s commitment to promoting renewable energy, particularly solar. They emphasize self-production and self-consumption of solar power, the development of rooftop solar systems, and the promulgation of the direct power purchase mechanism. The integration of solar power with battery storage is also encouraged, contingent upon economic viability. PDP VIII sets ambitious capacity targets for solar power. By 2030, the capacity is projected to reach approximately 12,836 MW, accounting for 8.5% of the total power capacity. This includes 10,236 MW from concentrated solar power and 2,600 MW from self-production and self-consumption solar power. By 2050, the capacity is expected to rise to between 168,594 MW and 189,294 MW, representing 33.0-34.4% of the total power capacity. Additionally, PDP VIII and the Implementation Plan list 27 solar power projects, totaling 4,136.25 MW, slated for implementation after 2030. However, these projects may be advanced under self-production and self-consumption arrangements. Draft Decree on Direct Power Purchase Agreements On April 15, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (“MOIT”) released a draft decree on direct power

Nearly a year after Vietnam’s issuance of its National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (“PDP VIII”), the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 262/QD-TTg dated April 1, 2024, approving the Implementation Plan for PDP VIII (“Implementation Plan”). Among other contents, the Implementation Plan sets forth the list of prioritized power source projects through 2030, and the capacity of renewable energy sources through 2030, as detailed below. Prioritized Power Source Projects through 2030 The Implementation Plan lists out six types of power source projects prioritized for development through 2023 according to the capacity approved under PDP VIII. They include: Domestic gas-fired power (14,930 MW) LNG-fired power (22,400 MW) Coal-fired power (30,127 MW) Cogeneration power using residual heat, blast furnace gas, and by-products of technological lines in industrial facilities (2,700 MW) Hydropower (29,346 MW) Pumped storage hydropower (2,400 MW) With respect to each type, the Implementation Plan provides details of projects by location and their operational progress. Such information is set out in Schedule III of the Implementation Plan. For power source projects not included in this list, the provincial People’s Committees will consult with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (“MOIT”) and relevant agencies on compliance with the planning prior to appraisal and issuance of in-principle investment approval. Renewable Energy Projects through 2030 The Implementation Plan allocates the capacity of the following renewable energy sources by locality/region: Offshore wind power (6,000 MW) Onshore wind power (21,880 MW) Hydroelectric power (29,346 MW) Biomass electricity (1,088 MW) Electricity produced from waste (1,182 MW) Rooftop solar power for self-production and self-consumption (2,600 MW) Battery storage (300 MW) With respect to each renewable energy source, the Implementation Plan provides a list of certain renewable energy projects through 2030, including the expected life cycle of the projects, and the allocated capacity

Thailand’s Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) has opened a public hearing period on a draft notification from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) that would relax foreign shareholding and board limits for life insurers. The hearing period runs until May 31, 2024. Key principles of the draft notification are outlined below. Life Insurer Qualifications Life insurers may apply for permission to exceed 49% foreign shareholding or have a majority of foreign directors if: They operate a business that may cause harm to insured parties or the public and either (1) the OIC has directed the company to improve its status or adjust its capital, or (2) the company’s actions may have a significant impact on the insurance industry, causing significant compensation burdens and affecting the company’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR); Their shareholders are unable to increase capital; and They are unable to attract Thai investors to increase the capital necessary to ensure stability and the long-term operation of the business. Foreign Shareholder Qualifications Eligible foreign shareholders must: Be an insurance company or participate in the insurance industry; Have at least 10 years of relevant experience; Demonstrate financial stability and possess a credit rating (or have a parent company with a credit rating) of at least “A” from a reliable credit rating agency; Present a clear business plan, financial resolution plan and strategy, and technological and expertise development plan to develop and promote the company’s efficiency and competitiveness in the industry; and Be capable of investing and increasing the capital to at least THB 2 billion to maintain stability and maintain a CAR of at least 250%. In addition, life insurers are required to present a clear restructuring plan and new organization chart to the OIC for further approval by the MOF. For more details on the MOF’s notification regarding criteria

Thailand’s Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) has released draft Notifications regarding Guidelines for Considering Qualifications and Suitability of Insurance Agents and Brokers to Manage Risks Related to Insurance Fraud for Life and Non-Life Insurance Companies for a public hearing period. The draft notifications set out criteria that life and non-life insurance companies should follow to assess the risk of brokers and agents committing insurance fraud. Risk Rating Under the OIC’s draft notifications, the risk of insurance agents and brokers committing insurance fraud is represented by four color-coded levels, according to the characteristics of the agent or broker. These levels are summarized in the table below. Insurance companies can verify the qualifications and suitability of agents and brokers by accessing information on insurance fraud in the OIC’s database. This access must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act, requiring the consent of the agent or broker whose information is being accessed. For more details on the OIC’s notification, or on any aspect of insurance regulations in Thailand, please contact Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh at [email protected], Witchupong Chittchang at [email protected], Ajaree Trachukul at [email protected], Thammapas Chanpanich at [email protected], or Sireethorn Wijan at [email protected].