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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Beloved gay penguin dies in Sydney (video)
In a tearful farewell, Sphen, the gentoo penguin who captivated the world as part of a famous same-sex power couple, has died at the age of 11. Sphen and his partner, Magic, shot to global fame in 2018 after falling in love at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and later adopting and raising two chicks. Their heartwarming story touched millions and…
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Northern Thailand flooding: Phichit’s Yom River water levels rise
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is closely monitoring the water levels in the Yom River in Phichit province, which has been rising steadily due to heavy rainfall in northern Thailand, particularly in Phrae and Phayao. This surge in water is expected to flow down to Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Phichit. Chuchart Rakjit, the Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, announced yesterday,…
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Floods displace 500 households in Nan, severe damage reported
Floods have caused significant damage in the northern province of Nan, affecting eight districts and displacing over 500 households. The heavy rain led to rapid rises in river levels, particularly impacting Thawngpha district where residents struggled to evacuate their belongings in time. The province of Nan is facing a severe flood crisis, with eight districts now affected. These districts include…
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Flooding in Chiang Rai claims two lives, submerges 15,000 rai of farmland
Heavy rains in Chiang Rai led to severe flooding, resulting in two fatalities and trapping 20 individuals in a convenience store. Agricultural land spanning 15,000 rai is now submerged due to rising water levels. Continuous heavy rainfall in Chiang Rai caused significant water level increases in several rivers, particularly in the Ing River, which originates from Kwan Phayao and flows…
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Heavy rainfall in Phayao triggers severe flooding
Heavy rainfall in Phayao has led to severe flooding, affecting over 400 households as flash floods swept through the area. Residents struggled to salvage their belongings, while local government officials rushed to assist. Continuous heavy rains battered Phayao for several days, resulting in flash floods that inundated multiple areas. Early in the morning, flash floods surged into Ban Kue Wiang,…
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Thailand launches anti-dumping probe on Chinese aluminium extrusions
Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department initiated an anti-dumping investigation into the import of aluminium extrusions from China. This move follows complaints from local steel manufacturers who claim that the surge in imports is detrimental to domestic production. Caretaker Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the investigation is part of a broader strategy by the ministry to address the influx of Chinese…
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Thailand urged to expand tax cuts for rooftop solar panels
The IEEE Power and Energy Society in Thailand is urging the government to expand its new tax reduction scheme for rooftop solar panel installations, aiming to boost the adoption of clean energy. Designed to offer tax incentives to 90,000 households from this year to 2027, the scheme is awaiting final approval within the second half of the year. Households purchasing…
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PEA launches first sustainability bond worth 1 billion baht
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) announced the successful launch of its first sustainability bond, marking a significant step towards its green finance goals and that of Thailand. PEA Governor Supachai Ek-Un, along with representatives from the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bangkok Bank, DNV (Thailand), and Thai Bond Market Association, held a press conference yesterday, August…
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Landslides trap 400 in Mae Hong Son village, urgent aid needed
Over 400 residents in a hillside village in Mae Hong Son‘s Khun Yuam district urgently called for help as they awaited evacuation following several landslides. The main road leading into the village became impassable after heavy rain on Monday, leaving them stranded. Phachat Chomchopdi, a resident, reached out to local government officials yesterday, August 13, reporting that while no injuries…
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Bangkok councillors support port relocation to ease congestion
Bangkok councillors have thrown their weight behind the Transport Ministry‘s proposal to shift the capital’s port operations to a new location, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, August 13, that five councillors have formally backed the plan through a letter submitted to the ministry. Kittipong Ruayfupan, Bangkok councillor for Thung…
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Ministry tackles chemical waste crisis with 14.9 million baht cleanup
The Ministry of Industry initiated a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant agencies to address areas recently contaminated with chemical waste. The Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, informed the media of the coordinated efforts yesterday, August 12. Nattapol acknowledged the issues arising from the illegal dumping of hazardous substances in Rayong,…
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Dugong to the rescue: Calf gets a nursery boost after Krabi solo act
A young dugong calf, found alone near Koh Poda in Krabi, has been transferred to a nursery in Trang for care and medical attention. Tourists discovered the calf yesterday and promptly notified officials from the Andaman Sea Lower Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, confirmed the incident and detailed…
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Weather warning as 38 provinces braced for heavy rainfall
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning today, with 38 provinces expected to experience rainfall despite a general decrease in precipitation. Heavy rains are particularly forecasted for the eastern and southern regions, affecting 60% of these areas. A weakening southwest monsoon currently covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, along with a low-pressure area…
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Bang Lamung makes aquatic splash for Queen Sirikit’s birthday
Bang Lamung saw a wave of environmental activity yesterday as a joint venture spearheaded a significant release of aquatic animals into the sea. This initiative was organised in honour of Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s soon-to-be 92nd birthday on Monday, August 12. The event unfolded at the Banglamung Municipal Fisheries Group Office, with District Chief Porachai Sang-iet…
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Agriculture Ministry seeks Cabinet approval for state land use
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives plans to request Cabinet approval to utilise lands from state agencies for royally initiated projects. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow announced the proposed resolution during a meeting at the Office of Agricultural Economics focused on assessing these projects. Royally initiated projects have been prioritised by the ministry as they aim to eradicate poverty…
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Mekong River floods roads in Nakhon Phanom, warnings issued
The Mekong River has overflowed, flooding roads by half a metre, prompting warnings for four districts to take caution. Heavy rains have been relentless recently. Residents have been fishing amidst the rising waters. Floodwaters from the Mekong River submerged Sawan Chai Khong Road in Nakhon Phanom province, as reported yesterday. The road, constructed 30 to 40 metres from the riverbank,…
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Thailand takes off with green aviation: SAF guidelines
Thailand’s Energy Ministry is poised to unveil groundbreaking guidelines on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the final quarter of this year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This initiative tackles the colossal carbon footprint of the energy sector, the top offender in global warming. With the energy sector spewing out a staggering 69% of total emissions—40% from…
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Wild elephant found dead from electrocution in Ranong sanctuary
A wild elephant was found dead from electrocution at the radar hill in the Thungraya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranong province. The elephant, believed to have pulled down a tree that fell on high-voltage power lines, was discovered by local government officials who are now working to protect the remaining five elephants in the area. Chawakun Sithisak, deputy inspector of Muang…
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Thailand’s park department concerns over forest conservation bills
Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) raised serious concerns over two proposed bills aimed at protecting indigenous people’s land rights. The department argues these bills could significantly undermine forest conservation efforts across the country. DNP Chief Attapol Charoenshunsa stated that, if passed, the bills put forward by the civil rights group P-Move and the Ministry of…
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Minor earthquakes strike Chiang Rai twice in an hour
An earthquake struck Chiang Rai province twice within an hour, both with a magnitude of 1.4. The incidents occurred without any immediate reports of tremors. An earthquake with a magnitude of 1.4 was reported in Chiang Rai province twice within an hour. According to the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department, the first earthquake occurred at 1.59am today, August…
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Leading international and Thai green advocates headline Asia’s leading sustainability tourism event, PHIST 2024
One of the world’s most inspirational green advocates will headline PHIST this year as Asia’s pioneering sustainability event enters its 8th year. You can register to join the event that advocates for sustainability through the Eventbrite registration website. Unsung hero of sustainability Andrew Dixon, a former banker turned green activist, owner and operator of two private island resorts in Indonesian…
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Nakhon Nayok hit by sudden flooding after dam water release
Nakhon Nayok experienced sudden flooding early today as Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam began releasing water without prior notice. Flooding inundated several areas along the Nakhon Nayok River in Mueang district, today, August 5. Media outlets showcased the rising waters at resorts near the dam and along the riverbanks. Volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation’s Nakhon Nayok branch reported receiving calls…
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Prachin Buri residents forced out of their homes by flash floods
Residents of Prachin Buri have been camping in tents by the roadside for five consecutive days after flash floods from Khao Yai and Thap Lan National Parks inundated their homes. Twenty-two households are affected, with water levels still over 60 centimetres. Heavy rains over several days caused flash floods to surge from Khao Yai and Thap Lan National Parks, flooding…
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Thailand to increase forest ranger salaries and workforce
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to bolster its forest protection efforts by increasing the number of forest rangers, aiming to alleviate the current workload and enhance forest conservation across the nation. Ratchata Pisitbannakorn, assistant to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, highlighted the ministry’s appreciation for the diligent work of rangers during a World Ranger Day event on Wednesday,…
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Severe flooding in Mae Hong Son threatens rice fields
Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son has caused the Mae Sa Nga River to overflow, flooding over 1,000 rai of rice fields. The famous Sutongpe Bridge, a well-known tourist spot, is also at risk of submersion, with landslides blocking several roads. Mae Hong Son is currently facing a crisis due to continuous heavy rainfall which has led to severe flooding…
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Pattaya City launches nature restoration to enhance ecotourism
Pattaya City has embarked on a significant nature restoration project aimed at enhancing ecotourism and revitalising the ecosystem in the Na Kluea area. The initiative kicked off with a ceremony at Khlong Nok Yang in Na Kluea, attended by local officials, including Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai, and the mayor’s secretary, Phumipat Kamolnat. The…
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Pattaya City buys crabs to boost marine life, supports fishermen
Pattaya City has launched an innovative project to support local fishermen and conserve marine life by purchasing low-grade blue swimming crabs and releasing them into the mangrove forest in Na Kluea. The initiative involves paying 250 baht per kilogramme to fishermen, aiming to balance ecological preservation with community income generation. The Natural Resources Division, Environmental Quality Promotion Division, and the…
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Shrimp farmer in Samut Prakan finds potential hybrid fish
A shrimp farm owner in Samut Prakan has discovered a fish believed to be a hybrid between a blackchin tilapia and a blackchin gourami and has called for further investigation into its potential impact on local agriculture. Adisorn Chansuksawasdi, the owner of the shrimp farm located in Moo 6, Khlong Dan subdistrict, Bang Bo district, invited journalists to inspect his…
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Severe flooding in Chanthaburi and Trat amid relentless rainfall
Severe flooding gripped Chanthaburi and Trat yesterday, as relentless rainfall continued to batter the regions. Heavy downpours, driven by the convergence of the monsoon trough over northern Thailand and upper Laos along with a moderate southwest monsoon, have caused significant water accumulation in these eastern provinces, according to Paitoon Kengkarnchang from the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). To…
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Blackchin tilapia threat leads to fish destruction in Phuket
Concerns over the potential invasion of blackchin tilapia in Phuket have led to the destruction of 20 kilogrammes of the fish sold at local markets. The environmental group Monsoon Garbage Thailand sparked the action, highlighting the ecological threat posed by the species if it were to establish itself in the island’s waters. The blackchin tilapia, a cichlid species native to…
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