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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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BCPG to divest its nine solar farms in Japan for strategic reinvestment
BCPG Plc, Bangchak Group’s power generation subsidiary, is planning to divest all its nine solar farms in Japan, in a strategic move to revamp its long-term investment in renewable energy. The assets on sale include equity worth 6.93 billion baht and net debt totalling 3.44 billion baht. The company has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Danish renewable energy…
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Thai government approves 8 billion baht scheme to tackle PM2.5 pollution
To mitigate the escalating PM2.5 pollution problem, the government recently approved a scheme worth 8 billion baht designed to incentivise sugarcane farmers to modify their harvesting methods. The initiative, which is set to be implemented in the 2022/23 harvest year, encourages farmers to cut fresh sugarcane without burning the residue, a practice known to be a significant contributor to the…
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Thailand poised to become regional hub for electric vehicle production
Thailand is stepping into the spotlight as a potential regional centre for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, bolstered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s confidence and support. This sentiment was shared with the public on December 1 by the Government Spokesperson, Chai Watcharong. PM Srettha has reportedly been working closely with various agencies to encourage and aid international private entities, particularly those…
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Flash floods claim one life and leave 11 missing at Indonesia’s Jewel, Lake Toba
Flash floods in Lake Toba, Indonesia wreaked havoc, claiming one life and leaving 11 missing on December 1. Lake Toba experienced a heavy downpour, triggering devastating flash floods. The heavy rain caused widespread destruction that extended beyond homes to include a church, a school, and even a hotel. The aftermath resembled a nightmare, as large stones, trees, and mud cascaded…
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Significant earthquake in Mindanao Philippines triggers tsunami warning but spares Thailand
The Philippines experienced a significant earthquake near the island of Mindanao, triggering a tsunami warning. The quake, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, didn’t affect Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Japan also issued a tsunami warning in response to the seismic activity occurring on December 3. At 9.57pm yesterday, December 2, the TMD stated the earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines.…
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Rice production crisis forecast: Dry woes, dwindling waters, and El Nino brew trouble
Asian rice production during the off-season is predicted to suffer due to a blend of unfavourable weather conditions including dry planting, dwindling reservoirs and ongoing El Nino weather patterns. These issues are due to reduce the early 2024 yields, further squeezing supplies and potentially causing a rise in food inflation. Both India, the world’s largest rice exporter and Thailand, the…
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Thai Prime Minister to review proposed energy tariff increase
Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, is set to convene a meeting with the relevant bodies following the revelation that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to surge the energy tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January to April next year. This proposed increase has stirred renewed demands for a revamp of the nation’s…
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Southern Thailand: Flood mitigation study completed in Surat Thani’s Klong Roy Sai area
The Royal Irrigation Department completed a flood mitigation study in the Klong Roy Sai area of Surat Thani city, which promises to bring benefits to residents. The project launch was held at the Wang Tai Hotel conference room in Surat Thani. Notable attendees included Nuntawat Charoenwan, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani Province, Somsawat Chaisinsorn, Director of Surat Thani Irrigation Project, and…
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Water management advancements: Irrigation department propels development
The Irrigation Department is pushing forward with the development of the Lower Huai Luang Basin and the Huai Pue Dam project to enhance water management capabilities and mitigate drought and flooding. Sunthorn Kamsee Mueang, director of the Office of Large Irrigation Construction Office No. 5, along with Irrigation Department officials and the media, visited the project site in Phon Pisai…
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Bangkok’s trash talk: Police crackdown reveals illegal rubbish dumps, locals left in a stinky situation
The Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has cracked down on 11 points across Bangkok, unearthing five illegal rubbish dumps causing a stench and distress to locals. One rubbish dump caretaker revealed that they charge 60 to 100 baht per vehicle. The operation today was led by Police Lieutenant General Watcharawin Pusit, MPB commissioner, who ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Arun Watchirasrisukanya,…
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3D-printed coral islands to rejuvenate Phuket’s degraded reefs
The coastal waters of Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket, are about to witness a groundbreaking ecological restoration project. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) initiated a project to install 88 sets of 3D-printed coral larvae islands at Siam Bay, to restore the severely degraded coral reef in the area. At the helm of this inaugural installation was…
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Lam Chae reservoir: Halting off-season rice cultivation for water relief
The water crisis at Lam Chae reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima has eased, with local authorities rushing to reserve water for the upcoming dry season. They have ceased water release and urged local farmers to halt off-season rice cultivation due to the reservoir’s water level being just half of its capacity. Lam Chae reservoir in Khro Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima, is…
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Southern Thailand: Illegal waste dumping threatens Ratsada’s mangrove forests
Garbage dumping within the mangrove forests near the Soi King Kaew community in southern Thailand is causing concerns and disrupting the harmony of the ecosystem. Local authorities have started investigations led by Ratsada’s Mayor, Nakarin Yosaengrat who has pointed out a potential culprit and initiated legal action. Mayor Nakarin, along with an entourage of officials from the Ratsada Municipality executive…
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West Thailand: Geology expert advises on undetectable earthquakes in Three Pagodas Fault
The Three Pagodas Fault in Kanchanaburi, west of Thailand, experiences hundreds of earthquakes annually. However, geology expert Prinya Putthapiban from Mahidol University’s Department of Geoscience advises that these quakes are predominantly minor and undetectable. The fault line follows a parallel path to Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault and Thailand’s southern Ranong Fault, limiting its capacity to trigger potent earthquakes. “The likelihood of…
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Iguana import ban: Thailand takes action to curb environmental threat
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has brought into effect an iguana import ban amid fears of rapid proliferation and potential environmental damage. The invasive species, discovered in vast numbers in natural habitats in the Lopburi province, have been causing distress to local communities by feeding on agricultural produce. The green iguana is an alien species with…
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Forest faux pas: Illegal loggers caught in the act as DSI turns the spotlight on hidden tree mischief in Thailand
An unsanctioned logging operation, hidden deep within Thailand’s Bang Khanun protected forest, was inadvertently exposed during a routine inspection by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Conducted in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and forest protection officials, the group stumbled upon the illegal exploitation yesterday. Vice Admiral Suchart Thammapitakwet, the commander of the RTN’s Third Area…
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Myanmar earthquake: 6.4 magnitude hits, tremors felt in Thailand (video)
A significant earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Myanmar at 8.37am today, as confirmed by the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The epicentre was noted to be around 100 kilometres in the northwest direction from the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicentre of this seismic event approximately 76…
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TikTok Thai training twist: App eyes Thailand for next big move
TikTok, the popular video-sharing social media app, is considering establishing a training centre in Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed this after meeting with the app’s executives during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. The intent is to utilise the platform’s popularity to promote Thai food and local products, often referred to as soft power. The 61…
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Iguana invasion: Wild population surge puts Thai officials on edge, sparks import halt pondering
The increased iguana population in the wild across numerous provinces in Thailand has provoked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to consider halting the importation of the species. Attapon Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, revealed yesterday that the decision comes on the heels of an uptick in iguana sightings in natural habitats and urban areas. “The burgeoning…
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Thailand PM invites Tesla, HP, and Analog Devices to invest
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended an invitation to three significant American corporations to consider investing in Thailand, asserting the nation’s capability to act as their productive bases. The 61 year old prime minister recently visited the manufacturing plant of Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs), where he participated in a trial run of the company’s cyber truck, which is set for unveiling…
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Thailand prepares for onset of cool season as northern front approaches
Thailand is bracing for a weather shift as a cool front from the north is set to lower temperatures starting tomorrow, signalling the onset of the cool season. This front, according to reports from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), was making its way over the region during the weekend, bringing with it strong winds. The shift in weather won’t be…
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Iberdrola highlights hydrogen’s commercialisation challenges despite its green potential
A green and abundant energy source for the future, hydrogen commercialisation is difficult without government subsidies, according to Iberdrola, the world’s third-largest private renewable electric utility provider. The company suggests that hydrogen might not be the ideal energy source for passenger cars, but rather for heavy logistics and industry. Armando Martinez, Iberdrola’s chief executive, acknowledged that hydrogen has been used by…
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PTT reinvestment: Diversifying beyond oil and petrochemicals for future growth
National energy conglomerate PTT Plc has initiated a reinvestment phase, eyeing new ventures for future growth. This move follows the stagnation of the company’s traditional businesses, which are primarily centred around the oil refinery and petrochemical sectors. As these avenues have limited potential for enhancing future income, the company emphasises the need for reinvestment. PTT’s President and Chief Executive Officer,…
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Mild earthquake shakes Pai district affecting four provinces
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 2 kilometres shook Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, causing tremors that were felt across four provinces. The Geology Department reported that the quake occurred today, with no initial damage found. The earthquake originated in the northern part of Wiang Nuea subdistrict, Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. It was followed by…
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Whale of a time: Holidaymakers treated to rare sea spectacle near Phuket
Holidaymakers on a leisurely boat tour around the Racha Islands, located south of Phuket, yesterday were privy to a thrilling spectacle: the rare sight of a whale in its natural habitat, a relatively unusual occurrence in these parts. The Star Sailing Club’s head, Ilya Saldaev, captured and shared footage of the majestic creature breaking the water’s surface on social media.…
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Tiny trumpeter: Lost wild Thai elephant calf finds a voice and milk refuge
A one-month-old wild Thai elephant calf discovered alone and in a weakened state has begun making some noise and consuming milk regularly. Despite the absence of a wild elephant herd in the nearby vicinity, Thap Lan National Park and its veterinary team have been assisting the lost calf. The calf was found wandering near a cassava farm belonging to villagers in Talingshan…
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The Energy Ministry crackdown on petrol retailers stockpiling fuel after price cut
The Energy Ministry has pledged to take stringent action against oil retailers found to be illegitimately stockpiling fuel. This decision comes in response to complaints about a sudden shortage of oil at petrol stations, following the government’s decision to lower the prices of gasohol 91 and gasohol 95. On the morning of November 7, petrol stations across the nation began…
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Water supply timeout: Phuket residents set for thirst quenching pause
Residents in Phuket’s Bang Jo area are bracing themselves for a disruption in their water supply. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) of Phuket declared a temporary halt in the water supply from the evening of November 9 to the early hours of November 10. The shut-off is a result of repair work that needs to be carried out in the…
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Germany grants 16 billion baht to Thailand for climate change projects
Thailand is set to receive a significant contribution of 422 million euros (16 billion baht) from Germany, intended to fund various projects addressing climate change impacts. The announcement was made by Ernst Reichel, the German Ambassador to Thailand, during a press briefing yesterday. Reichel, who assumed his diplomatic role two months prior, underscored that climate change mitigation is a prime…
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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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