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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Sponsored 10 Best restaurants in Asoke, Bangkok
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Pattaya’s party takes a smoggy hit: Tops PM2.5 list in Thailand
Pattaya, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, now finds itself at the top of a less desirable list in Thailand. It was reported yesterday, November 5, that Pattaya had the highest concentration of PM2.5, a type of health-hazardous dust, in the entire country. Pattaya’s PM2.5 level surged to a staggering 154 micrograms per cubic meter, which…
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Rare Malayan tiger spotted in Thailand’s Bang Lang National Park
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) recently reported the sighting of a Malayan tiger in Yala‘s Bang Lang National Park. The news surfaced on the DNP‘s official Facebook page, revealing that the Malayan tiger is among several sub-species found in the southern border regions of Thailand and Malaysia. Bang Lang National Park and Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary…
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Bird breeders tweet plea to un-list the red-whiskered bulbul
Thailand‘s red-whiskered bulbul breeders’ association launched an appeal to the government, seeking to remove the bird from its list of protected species. The association argues that the breeding industry previously generated a substantial income for the economy, amounting to a billion baht. Suratep Boonyavatvanit, president of the association, highlighted that half a decade ago, there were approximately a million breeders…
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Pattaya: Extinct Neptune’s Cup Sponge rediscovered
A wave of enthusiasm has swept through the environmental community in Pattaya, following the exciting rediscovery of the Neptune’s Cup Sponge, a marine creature believed to have been extinct. This incredible find was announced by Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, serving as the Associate Dean for the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, via a post on his personal Facebook page. The…
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Bangkok’s air quality dips: PM2.5 dust levels spark health warnings
Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are experiencing PM2.5 dust levels above the standard, leading to health concerns and advisories for the public to cease outdoor activities. The Air Pollution Problem Resolution Centre under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) unveiled these findings after monitoring air quality. While the PM2.5 dust level remained within standard limits across the country,…
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Rubber’s forest fury: Southeast Asia’s deforestation problem worse than thought
The rampant deforestation caused by rubber production in Southeast Asia could be much higher than anticipated, potentially two to three times the current estimates. This alarming discovery is a significant concern for importers who are under increasing pressure to source sustainable supplies, as revealed in a recent research study. Global demand for rubber is on the rise, leading to an…
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Bangkok breathes uneasy: PM2.5 dust levels reach ‘unhealthy’ zones
Bangkok, alongside other provinces, is grappling with unsettling levels of ultra-fine dust, or PM2.5. The quality of air in several areas has been categorised as either moderate or in the unhealthy spectrum. People, especially those living with chronic illnesses, have been cautioned by the Public Health Ministry to review the air quality before stepping out or participating in outdoor activities.…
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Locals petition to halt contentious 200-billion-baht water project in Thailand
The Chiang Mai Administrative Court received a petition yesterday from locals seeking the cancellation of a contentious 200-billion-baht water diversion venture. This project, designed to bolster the water supply to the Bhumibol dam in Tak, now teeters on the precipice of uncertainty due to the residents’ opposition. The ambitious project details the construction of a diversion barrage, an access road…
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Chinese corporations eye investment in Thai green economy
Chinese corporations have expressed their intent to invest in Thailand’s green economy and development projects, renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and transportation infrastructure, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Chinese investment announcement came after discussions between PM Srettha and Chinese business executives at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing. The 61 year old…
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Phuket’s waste crisis and eco-tourism plans discussed by Pita Limjaroenrat
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, yesterday paid a visit to Phuket to assess some ongoing projects in the seaside resort and discuss the key issues with the residents and officials. The respected former MFP leader was accompanied by three local MPs affiliated with the MFP, namely Somchart Techathavorncharoen, Chalermpong Saengdee and Thitikan Thitipruekthikul. The first stop…
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Thai court halts government’s wind power purchase scheme over selection irregularities
The Central Administrative Court‘s ruling to halt the government’s scheme to purchase 1,500 megawatts of wind power, on grounds of alleged irregularities in power plant selection, prompted the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to gear up for an appeal. The judgement came in response to Khon Kaen Wind 2 Co, a subsidiary of the SET-listed Energy Absolute (EA), who had voiced…
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Princess Maha’s urgent call for improved water management in Asia-Pacific
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific, has stressed the urgency of combating water scarcity and improving water management systems throughout the region. The Princess voiced her concerns during the Asia-Pacific World Food Day Observances at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bangkok. Her Majesty pointed out that approximately 2.5 billion…
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Ubon Ratchathani residents face health risks as stagnant floodwaters turn toxic
The residents of Ubon Ratchathani continue to struggle with rising water levels as the Ubonrat and Lampao dams contribute to the increasing floodwaters in northeast Thailand. They are grappling with stagnant water that has begun to spoil, leading to requests for medication to treat water-borne diseases and fever, intensifying the impact of Ubon Ratchathani flooding. Banjong Wongvien, a resident of…
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Phichit flooding: Eight districts hit, 885 households submerged
The province of Phichit is currently grappling with severe flooding that has affected eight districts, with as many as 885 households submerged and damage to the local infrastructure. The situation has been worsened by the overflowing of the Nan and Yom rivers, leading officials to raise red flags, signalling the start of a flood crisis. The water level in the…
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Mun River’s unstoppable rise breaches barriers, submerging Thai communities, forcing mass evacuations
The Mun River broke through its sandbag barriers, causing a massive flood that submerged several communities up to 2 metres deep. The river’s relentless rise forced the evacuation of 195 families, while over 400 others continue to live in their flooded homes. The Mun River’s powerful flow eroded its sandbag barriers today, previously installed by the army, the Department of…
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Torrential rains cause major disruption with flooded roads and railway lines in southern Thailand
The southern region of Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, home to Suranaree University of Technology and the 80th Anniversary Stadium, has been severely affected by the torrential rains over the past two days, causing the accumulated rainwater to total 26 centimetres. The torrential rains led to natural canals overflowing and flooding major roads and railway lines, causing significant inconvenience to the…
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Dam-burst drama: Rising water levels have northern Thailand residents on the brink
The residents of Non Sawan, located in the area above the Ubonrat Dam in Khon Kaen Province, are preparing for rising water levels, as a deluge has filled the dam to capacity. The resulting flood is rapidly encroaching upon rice fields and homes, with predictions of imminent submersion. The current state of Non Sawan village, located in Ubonrat district, Khon…
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Thai CEOs discuss sustainability’s key role in supply chain survival at SX2023
The Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023) has illuminated the essential role of sustainability in successful supply chain networks. The Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN) Business Partners Conference, also known as the TSCN CEO Panel, took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center as part of the ongoing expo. The key topic of discussion was the self-application of sustainable practices for…
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Electrical appliance industry sparks up: El Niño predicted to surge sales by 4-5%
The El Niño weather phenomenon could potentially stimulate a 4 to 5% rise in sales within the electrical appliance and electronics industry this year, with sales projected to elevate from 230 billion baht last year. Major electrical appliance distributors and leading retail chains noted growth in the market within the first nine months of the year. Despite the purchasing power…
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Ayutthaya builds dykes to protect homes amid rising Chao Phraya River levels
The fast-rising waters of the Chao Phraya River have led to the construction of dykes along its banks in the province of Ayutthaya. There is a growing concern that the swelling river may overflow, potentially flooding homes and historical landmarks. The Chao Phraya River’s rising levels are attributed to an increased water volume from upstream provinces. However, on Wednesday, it…
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Laid to rest: Thai authorities bury 4.5 million kg of illicit pork in Chon Buri
The Department of Livestock Development, along with other key agencies, has begun the process of burying over 4.5 million kilogrammes of illicit pork, seized at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri. This gargantuan task, involving 161 shipping containers of illicit pork, is set to be completed within eight days at the Animal Feed Research and Development Centre in Sa Kaeo.…
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Yom River banks breach in northern Thailand, leaves 500+ homes flooded
The Sukhothai province in Thailand experienced intense flooding when the banks of the Yom River broke on Monday, leading to over 500 households in the commercial district becoming inundated. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin conveyed persistent concerns about the flood situation in Sukhothai following relentless rain. Although the prime minister did not confirm his visit to the flood-stricken Sukhothai, he announced…
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Facebook post sparks debate on impact of skewers in plastic bottles on recycling process
A Facebook user’s post warning against inserting skewers into plastic bottles has sparked a virtual uproar. The user, who works in the recycling industry, warned that this action complicates the recycling process, adding that skewers make it impossible to recycle the bottles. The post shared on the beloved Facebook group Housework I Love, highlighted images of bottles filled with skewers.…
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Thai Prime Minister acts swiftly on northern region’s escalating flood crisis
Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, initiated immediate action yesterday in response to the flood crisis in numerous provinces in northern Thailand. The floodwater from the Yom River is expected to exacerbate the situation downstream, particularly in provinces such as Sukhothai and Phitsanulok. Reports of flooding were received from several northern and northeastern provinces, including Phrae and Phetchabun, where significant flooding…
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Mun River’s flood tide brings venomous twist to northern Thailand
The continuous rise of the Mun River has resulted in severe flooding, submerging nine districts in Ubon Ratchathani, northern Thailand. Inhabitants scramble to evacuate while also dealing with venomous animals, including snakes and scorpions, that have been displaced by the floodwaters. Agricultural damage is extensive, with an estimated 46,000 acres of farmland affected. The flooding has also impacted tens of…
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Severe flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima sparks fears of 1980 disaster repeat
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima causing residents to hastily evacuate their homes. The situation has raised concerns of a repeat of the devastating floods of 1980. The Thai authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially in the Lam Takhong area. Khao Yai National Park Head, Chaiya Huay Hongs Thong, reported that the depression storm has led to…
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Thai govt dives into action: Plans to flood fields with innovation and debt suspension
Plans are underway by the Thai government to accelerate the expansion of water sources and enhance the varieties of rice and other key crops in Thailand. Recommendations have also been made for the proposed debt suspension scheme to operate with conditions. These suggestions were made by Nipon Puapongsakorn, a distinguished fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), who highlighted…
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Phuket’s pristine promise: Chalong’s no-littering sign takes center stage
In a bid to maintain cleanliness and orderliness, the Chalong Municipality erected a sign prohibiting littering and the dumping of garbage in Phuket. This commendable move is aimed at preserving the beauty and hygiene of the municipality. According to Chalong’s village headman Kokchai Sae-Ung, the land is privately owned. Last year, approval had been given to raise the site using…
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Thai ministry’s water woes: Bueng Boraphet faces aquatic crisis with levels plummeting tenfold
The Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment yesterday investigated the water situation at Bueng Boraphet, revealing that the water level is ten times lower than the previous year, creating a water crisis that could impact the ecosystem. The secretary, Jatuporn Burusphat, ordered continuous water replenishment from today. Accompanied by Pichit Sombatmak, Deputy Secretary, and other concerned officials,…
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El Niño effect forecasted to lower Thai rice production in 2023-24
The Agricultural Economics Office of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry in Thailand forecasted a decline in rice production for the 2023-24 harvest season. The expected drop is approximately 871,000 tonnes, a decrease of 3.27%, totalling 25.8 million tonnes. This significant decrease is primarily due to the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Department,…
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