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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China leads renewable energy efforts with wind and solar power
China is leading the global surge in renewable energy construction, with nearly two-thirds of the world’s large-scale wind and solar projects currently being built within its borders, as indicated by a recent report from Global Energy Monitor (GEM). China is constructing 339 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale wind and solar power, representing 64% of the global total, according to the US-based…
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Minor International celebrates sustainable business achievements
Minor International (MINT) is celebrating the efforts of businesses who have committed to sustainable growth and operating ethically. MINT, a Thai multinational company, specialises in hospitality, restaurant and lifestyle businesses located across 63 countries. Serving customers from the Asia-Pacific all the way to the America’s, MINT’s business portfolio consists of thousands of providers of food, hotels and tourism experiences. Seeing…
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New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark
Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…
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Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians
Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender. Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head…
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Thailand’s plan to turn food waste into lifesavers
Thailand unveiled a plan to tackle food waste and hunger. The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has teamed up with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) to outline the creation of a national food bank. NSTDA’s vice president for strategy and budgeting, Nuanwan Sanguansak, spearheaded a public hearing on Sunday, July 7, aimed at gathering feedback on managing…
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No plastics allowed: Koh Nang Yuan protects coral reefs
Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Koh Nang Yuan, renowned for its three interconnected islets with pristine white sands, has long upheld a strict no-plastic policy. This rule extends to the thousands of tourists who flock to its shores each day,…
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Locals protest against dolomite mine near Thai national park
Protests erupted near Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi as locals voiced their opposition to the opening of a private dolomite mine on a 540-rai plot of land, situated just 1 kilometre from the national park. Concerns centre around the potential negative impacts on their way of life and the park’s environment. Somchet Chantana, Director of the Phetchaburi Office of…
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Floodwaters cause extensive damage in Lopburi village (video)
A video on Facebook captured the floodwaters inundating Tha Din Dam village in Chai Badan district, Lopburi province, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Rotsukhon Phromma posted a clip showing the severe flooding that affected shops and residential areas in Tha Din Dam. “Why is the water so strong again? The shop is completely ruined. Be careful, it’s dangerous.…
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Salaween River reroute raises fishy fears: Ecological impact alarm
Concerns are mounting over the potential ecological impact of diverting water from the Salween River to the Ping River, with experts warning of a possible decline in fish stocks due to invasive species and genetic contamination. Fisheries biologist Apinan Suwannarak from Maejo University revealed that the Nam Yuam Dam project, which aims to redirect up to 1.8 billion cubic metres…
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Dam it all! Khon Kaen’s concrete defence crumbles
A concrete-reinforced dam in Khon Kaen, in place for over 18 years, has broken due to water erosion from a large reservoir, creating a 20-metre gap. Officials are now rushing to repair the breach to prevent further damage. The dam, located in Ban Loeng, Khon Kaen, was built in 2006 and has been maintained by the local administration. The recent surge…
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Pattaya plunged! Streets submerged after heavy rain havoc
Heavy rainfall early today in Pattaya City led to severe flooding, submerging streets and stranding numerous vehicles. The sudden downpour created chaos in various key locations, significantly impacting daily life. Many cars and motorcycles were unexpectedly caught as water levels rose swiftly, particularly affecting sedans parked along roadsides. Notable areas such as Third Road, the Mum Aroi Restaurant intersection in…
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When it rains, it bugs: Phayao’s Jing Kung season is cracking good
The rainy season brings a unique culinary delight to Phayao – the “Jing Kung” or egg-laden mole cricket, which is now in abundance. Prized for its delicious taste and high nutritional value, locals eagerly dig them up for consumption and sale. During the rainy season, the egg-laden mole cricket, also known as “Jing Kung” or “Ji Khrong,” becomes a sought-after…
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Singapore’s food for thought: Official keen on Thai collaboration
In a significant step towards ensuring food security, a high-ranking Singapore official expressed a keen interest in collaboration with Thailand. This landmark meeting promises to reshape the agricultural landscape for both nations. Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and Environment Stanley Loh held talks with Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Agriculture Ministry, on Tuesday, July 2. The meeting…
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Mae Hong Son hit by 3.1 magnitude earthquake, mild tremors
An earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale struck Mae Hong Son today causing mild tremors felt by residents. The quake, which occurred at 5.23am, today, July 4, had its epicentre in the Huai Pu Ling sub-district, Mueang district of Mae Hong Son. The Department of Mineral Resources’ Earthquake Operations Center, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reported…
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Thailand vows stronger action against transboundary haze pollution
Thailand has pledged to intensify efforts against transboundary haze pollution in collaboration with regional partners, according to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan. Phatcharavat announced yesterday, July 3, at an ASEAN sub-regional ministerial committee meeting on haze pollution in Bangkok. Representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand attended the meeting, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer. Expressing gratitude for the collaborative…
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Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos
Koh Samui is reeling from an acute water shortage as its reservoirs are drying up amid a prolonged drought. On the neighbouring island of Phuket, residents are battling heavy rainfall and flooding. Koh Samui’s main reservoir, with a capacity of 800,000 cubic metres, is down to a mere 10%, enough to last just two weeks. The Krajood reservoir fares slightly…
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Chiang Rai residents protest lignite coal pollution from Laos
Residents of Chiang Khong are facing severe distress due to pollution caused by a private company transporting lignite coal from Laos. Despite multiple complaints, the issue remains unresolved, prompting the district chief to order a temporary halt to the transportation. Mong Saenyai, a resident of Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai Province, yesterday, July 2, revealed that villagers from Ban Mai…
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Phuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns
Inadequate infrastructure development in Phuket is struggling to match the island’s rapid urbanisation and severe flooding, tarnishing its reputation. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient budget and upgrade public facilities as promised is a significant concern. The President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, highlighted that 60% of tourists are first-time visitors who might not return if infrastructure issues…
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Korat locals protest against potash mining expansion
Korat locals gathered in force to protest against the government’s controversial plan to grant additional mining concessions in their province. Amid growing tensions and heartfelt pleas, the demonstrators demanded compensation for the devastating impacts existing mines have already had on their lives. The protesters, arriving at Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima University at 9am, were determined to deliver their message to Prime…
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Thailand urged to harness and adopt solar energy to cut costs
Thailand’s abundance of sunlight offers an opportunity for a solar energy revolution, but high costs and regulatory barriers are holding back widespread adoption. Vice President of the Solar Energy Association of Thailand, Piyasak Pichetanawin, urged the government to support the use of solar energy, particularly in the industrial sector. Piyasak emphasises the importance of green energy, which can significantly reduce…
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Rare Begonias turn Phitsanulok forest into a fairytale wonderland
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Phitsanulok province has transformed into a vibrant wonderland, thanks to the blooming heart-shaped leaves of Begonia Arenosaxa. These exquisite plants, typically flourishing in rainforests during the rainy season, are painting the forest floor in shades of red, creating a breathtaking contrast against the lush greenery. Visitors who embark on the Lan Hin Pum…
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Phuket governor washes up Kamala after torrential rain (video)
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat spearheaded a substantial cleanup operation in Kamala following heavy rains that caused widespread flooding across Phuket. The downpours yesterday, June 30, led to traffic disruptions, flight delays, and inundated neighbourhoods. Joining the Governor in Kamala were Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Office Suwit Suriyawong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Police Major General Sinlert…
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Thailand’s Department of Disease Control warns about poisonous wild mushrooms
If you’re one of the adventurous souls who enjoy foraging for wild mushrooms, especially in the rainy season when lots of wild mushrooms emerge, it’s time to be extra cautious. The Department of Disease Control, under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, has issued a stern warning: many wild mushrooms can be “poisonous mushrooms” and pose a serious risk, including death.…
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Rain check: Floodgates open as downpours dampen Phuket spirits
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) released an updated report on the recent flooding in Phuket, following heavy rains that caused significant disruption across the popular holiday resort island. Floodwaters inundated roads and homes, while landslides and fallen trees rendered several routes impassable. The TMD highlighted that water levels in Kathu had largely decreased, making most roads passable, including those…
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Tourists warned after box jellyfish stings near Bamboo Island
National Park officials in Krabi issued urgent warnings about deadly box jellyfish after three tourists were stung near Bamboo Island in Phi Phi Archipelago. The tourists, who were all injured, have since been treated and are now in stable condition. The warning signs have been posted by the Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, cautioning tourists and those engaging…
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Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier cleanup unveils stunning new look
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent visit sparked a major makeover at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. The seaside hotspot, famous for its bustling activity, is undergoing a massive transformation that promises to leave locals and tourists in awe. Following the Thai premier’s directive, an army of sanitation and waste management officers from the Pattaya City Environment Department, along with other…
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Nakhon Ratchasima faces water shortage as rainy season begins
Nakhon Ratchasima faces a severe water shortage crisis just as the skies open for Thailand’s rainy season, with water reserves for the province’s water supply at a critical 34%. Lam Chae Dam, one of the key reservoirs, currently reports no new water inflows. Farmers in the area downstream of Lam Chae Dam, one of the four main dams in Nakhon…
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Pattaya begins major clean-up project at Bali Hai Pier
Pattaya City mobilised a significant workforce from the Department of Resource and Environment along with other relevant agencies to carry out a massive clean-up operation at Bali Hai Pier. This initiative, conducted yesterday, June 27, follows direct orders from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who visited the area recently and highlighted the need for improvements. Prime Minister Srettha’s visit to Bali…
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Phuket board urges better waste separation management
Phuket grapples with the challenge of managing its daily solid waste, with waste separation emerging as a critical focus. Members of the Phuket Provincial Governance Board yesterday conducted an inspection of the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Centre and Incinerator at Saphan Hin. Peeraphit Aongcharoen, Vice Chairman of the Board, led the delegation to monitor and assess the progress of budget…
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Sri Lanna Park adopts drones and firebreaks to combat wildfires
Sri Lanna National Park adjusted its wildfire prevention strategies, incorporating controlled burns to tackle forest fires effectively. Park Chief Anon Kullanin revealed that using drones to monitor and map the fires significantly aided the firefighting efforts. Sri Lanna National Park recently faced a challenging wildfire situation. According to Anon, the park utilised drones to identify hotspots and plan entry routes…
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