Environment News
Thailand environment news, climate change, sustainability, and natural disasters—stay updated on eco-initiatives, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy efforts. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for environmental news in Thailand.
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Mekong River’s diverse fish populations face extinction threat
The Mekong River, a lifeline stretching almost 5,000 kilometres from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, is under grave threat. A recent report reveals that unsustainable development is severely endangering the river’s health and diverse fish populations. Consequently, one-fifth of the fish species in this Southeast Asian lifeline are on the brink of extinction. The Mekong River plays…
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OAG rules in favor of DNP in Nang Rong waterfall tourism dispute
A recent ruling by a committee from the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) has settled a long-standing dispute between the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Nakhon Nayok Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO). The contention revolved around the 12-rai Nang Rong waterfall tourism compound located within the Khao Yai National Park. The OAG’s verdict favours the DNP,…
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Thai Cabinet tackles smog problem with 272 million baht project
The annual 2024 fiscal budget saw the Thai Cabinet allotting 272 million baht (US$7.59 million) towards a strategic project, intent on confronting wildfire and smog problems, and reducing PM2.5 dust. The announcement came from the Thai deputy government spokeswoman, Kanika Aunjit, during a press conference held on March 3. The alarming rise of PM2.5 problems accelerated this decision witnessed in…
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Bangkok joins forces with Netherlands for eco-friendly urban mobility
Bangkok has coordinated with the Dutch concept to design Bangkok into a walkable and cycling city. Assoc. Prof. Wisanu Supsompon, along with Sanon Wangsrangboon, the Deputy Governors of Bangkok and Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand, attended a presentation of ideas and group activities discussion at the ACTIVE Workshop in Bangkok at…
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Raging forest fires force closure of Thai-Cambodian Border park
Forest fires ablaze along the Thai-Cambodian border have ignited chaos, choking Khao Phra Wihan National Park in Sisaket province with clouds of thick smoke and dust particles, forcing a three-day shutdown. The infernos, wreaking havoc on the region’s flora and fauna, including monkeys, bats, and birds, have sparked concerns for both tourism and wildlife preservation. Sisaket Governor Anuphong Suksomnit, undertook…
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Phuket on course to become a top eco-industrial city by 2027
Earlier today, Phuket Provincial Hall played host to an informative workshop, aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of the plans to transform Phuket into a renowned eco-industrial city. This initiative was overseen by Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam, to disseminate knowledge on ideal methodologies for environmental preservation, protection, and restoration across diverse sectors. The workshop is deemed instrumental in aiding…
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Thai skies to sparkle: 30 aircraft to blitz pollution and sizzle summer heat
In a move to combat air pollution and beat back the scorching summer heat, Thailand is unleashing a squadron of 30 aircraft across the nation. These aerial warriors aren’t armed with missiles but with the power to summon rain itself, in a bid to douse the flames of pollution and ease the parched lands. Artificial rain, also known as cloud…
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Thailand’s hotels produce the most greenhouse gas in Asia
According to KResearch’s latest findings, Thai hotels are the leading culprits in greenhouse gas emissions, emitting a whopping 0.064 tonnes of carbon per guest each night, significantly higher than the regional and global averages of 0.057 and 0.019 tonnes respectively. Urging the government to intervene, KResearch emphasised the crucial role of sustainable practices in curbing this environmental menace. “While hotels…
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Thailand’s tusker turnaround: TAT teams up with WWF for elephant-friendly travels
In a bid to promote responsible tourism and protect Thai elephants, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to pledge unwavering support to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Thailand and its Travel Ivory Free initiative. This collaborative effort aims to combat the illegal ivory market by encouraging travellers to refrain from purchasing ivory items during their visits. Recently,…
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How conservation efforts saved the ecosystem at Maya Bay
In 2016, Maya Bay welcomed a staggering 1.73 million visitors, but its popularity devastated its delicate ecosystem. Fast forward to 2024, and the once-threatened bay stands as a testament to the power of environmental stewardship. Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a leading marine biologist explains that the target point for Maya Bay was to set up a system that would help us,…
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Rare Siamese crocodile hatchlings spotted in Nakhon Sawan
In a heartening discovery, the elusive Siamese crocodile has made a triumphant return at Bueng Boraphet Wildlife Sanctuary in Nakhon Sawan province. After a seven-year absence, the sanctuary proudly welcomed eight Siamese crocodile hatchlings into the world. This remarkable event, announced via an uplifting Facebook post by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), has reignited hope…
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Global forests in crisis: Shocking decline revealed
In a staggering revelation, the world’s forests have undergone a drastic reduction of nearly 20 million square kilometres over the past 30 years, plunging from 42.03 million square kilometres in 1992 to 40.44 million square kilometres in 2021, as per the latest data from the World Bank. Attributing this alarming loss to the relentless encroachment of agriculture and industrialisation, the…
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South Pattaya canal plagued by environmental catastrophe
In a recent session of the Pattaya City Council, member Metakrit Sunthornrot ignited concern over the persistent challenges besieging the South Pattaya Canal. Despite assurances of advancement, the situation continues to spiral, prompting intensified calls for immediate intervention. Metakrit underscored the city’s dedication to tackling environmental adversities, particularly in the crucial management of the South Pattaya Canal. Plans were detailed…
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Thai minister orders demolition of illicit resorts on Khao Yai farmland
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow mandated the demolition of illicit resorts and hotels erected on Sor Por Kor land around Khao Yai National Park, designated for agricultural use and granted to landless farmers. The minister’s mandate came as he pledged to rid the land of any illicit occupations. Thamanat Prompow announced yesterday that he has commissioned a fresh inspection…
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Chiang Mai tops world’s most polluted cities
Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand has been blanketed by worsening haze, catapulting it to the top of the list of the world’s ten most polluted cities. The thick smog is a direct consequence of forest fires that have been burning unabated for approximately two weeks. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) detected 1,420 hotspots on Monday alone.…
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Sweeping fires devastate 30,000 rai of forest in Chiang Mai
Sweeping fires engulfed an estimated 30,000 rai (approximately 4,800 hectares) of forest across three districts in the province of Chiang Mai, reported local authorities. The flames, which sparked roughly a week ago, primarily ravaged the Ob Luang National Park. The districts of Hot, Chomg Thong, and Mae Cham are the most severely impacted, with the fires still ablaze and uncontained.…
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Nakhon Ratchasima tackles water scarcity amid El Niño
The province of Nakhon Ratchasima is facing a water management challenge due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which has led to a critical decrease in water levels across 27 reservoirs. These water sources now contain less than half of their capacity, prompting local authorities to adopt stringent water management strategies. In contrast, the Huai Chorakhe reservoir, almost…
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Thailand’s green utility tariff implementation faces SME hurdles
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of Thailand has estimated a two-year time frame for full implementation of the recently launched green utility tariff (GUT). This tariff, aimed at regulating renewable power prices, is a significant leap towards the global pushback on carbon-intensive manufacturing. However, businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and some state entities have expressed unpreparedness to adopt the…
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New agricultural land reform policy to implement buffer zones
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow is set to propose a new agricultural land reform policy tomorrow. The policy seeks to establish a buffer zone between forest reserves and agricultural land, with the explicit specification that this zone will not be allocated to individual farmers. This comes in the wake of an ongoing dispute between the Agricultural Land Reform Office…
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Bangkok breathes easier as PM2.5 levels fall but north faces rise
The upcoming week brings a breath of fresh air for Bangkok locals as levels of harmful PM2.5 pollutants, ultra-fine particulars, are expected to decrease. However, residents in the north and northeast are being warned of an imminent rise in air pollution due to prevalent wildfires in these regions. Sunday morning data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) air quality monitoring…
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Charcoal smoke engulf Phetchabun village causing health hazards
Residents of a Phetchabun village are in distress due to the pervasive smoke from charcoal production, causing health hazards. Amid picturesque winter fog-like scenes captured in images, lies a dire situation for the villagers of Moo 10, Phadaeng, who find themselves unable to breathe easily due to the thick smoke from numerous charcoal burners operating in the area. The issue,…
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Bangkok unveils Suk50 Garden in Klong Toey to boost green space
Bangkok’s Klong Toey District has witnessed the transformation of an underutilised space into a vibrant public park, the Suk50 Garden, thanks to a collaboration between the Expressway Authority of Thailand and Ichitan Group. This initiative is part of a larger movement to increase green spaces in the city, contributing to the fight against PM2.5 pollution and fostering community connections. Spanning…
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Royal Forest Department investigates land appropriation
The Royal Forest Department launched a probe into allegations of land encroachment within the Pang Asok woodlot. The claim comes from Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, head of the Office of National Parks, who stumbled upon a disturbing sight: a backhoe and tractor clearing swathes of land purportedly for personal gain. Chaiwat asserts that approximately 64 hectares stand despoiled, with a suspicious Sor Por…
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Thai foundation advocates green switch for Makha Bucha day
The Tree Planting Foundation is advocating for Thais tomorrow to make a green switch from the traditional practice of burning candles and incense sticks during the imminent Makha Bucha day candle processions. The campaign is aimed at fostering environmentally friendly merit-making customs that contribute to the expansion of green spaces in Thailand. Tawatchai Tositrakul, leading the Tree Planting Foundation, voiced…
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Oxygen treatment makes Thai wastewater clean
In a move to tackle Thailand’s wastewater crisis, a pioneering oxygen treatment method promises to transform foul-smelling waters into pristine streams, all while slashing carbon emissions. In the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, a silent revolution is underway. Piyabut Charuphen, the managing director of BIG, a trailblazer in industrial gas technology, unveils the Generating A Cleaner Future initiative. This…
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Khon Kaen Zoo celebrates first successful black swan breeding
Khon Kaen Zoo proudly announced the successful breeding of black swans, marking a first in the zoo’s history. The arrival of three cygnets, hatched in early February, comes as a delightful surprise to zoo officials and animal lovers alike. Thipawadee Kittikhun, the acting director-general at the zoo, revealed that three eggs were laid by a seven year old swan in…
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Phuket’s Kamala Beach faces murky waters as main canal turns black
Kamala Beach in Phuket found itself in a murky situation, the main canal has turned black and is producing an unpleasant smell. Visitors to the beach, some international tourists, watched in dismay as the polluted water flowed freely into the sea. The sight of the blackened water has led to numerous headshakes and raised eyebrows. A particularly concerned tourist even questioned…
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Thailand’s potash push: Prosperity or peril?
As Thailand eyes a leap into the lucrative potash market, concerns loom large over the potential environmental havoc it may unleash. Residents in the vicinity of Thailand’s solitary commercial potash mine have raised a chorus of apprehension, cautioning against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s grand vision to catapult the nation into a leading potash producer. Their concerns centred around the likely…
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Aleph Farms revolutionises meat production in Southeast Asia
In a groundbreaking alliance set to revolutionise meat production, Aleph Farms has forged a strategic partnership with biomanufacturer BBGI and synbio research powerhouse Fermbox Bio. This collaboration is set to pave the way for Thailand’s inaugural cultivated meat plant, heralding a new era of sustainable protein sourcing in Southeast Asia. In a bid to enhance production capabilities and foster economic…
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Thailand incentivises companies to go green with EV conversion
The Thailand government confirmed yesterday that measures have been approved to encourage companies to convert their commercial fleets of large trucks and buses to battery electric vehicles (EVs). This move aims to increase the adoption of EVs and support companies in achieving their net-zero targets. In addition, cash grants will be provided for EV battery cell manufacturers. These policies are…
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