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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Phuket’s stink crisis: Landfill odours worsen amid rainy season
Phuket’s bustling streets are getting a whiff of something far less pleasant as the city grapples with an intensifying odour crisis. The stink emanating from the Phuket Waste Disposal Centre at Saphan Hin has reached unbearable levels, especially as the rainy season worsens conditions at the already overcrowded landfill. With more than 1,200 tonnes of rubbish arriving at the site…
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Monkey sterilisation drive ramps up in Lopburi crackdown
Efforts to control the monkey population in Lopburi city centre are ongoing, with macaques being trapped, sterilised, and relocated to shelters. A new facility is being built to accommodate more of these monkeys, which have been causing disruptions in the area. The operation is managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant…
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Jungceylon steps up to protect and restore seagrass for dugongs
Jungceylon Shopping Centre in Patong, Phuket, continues the environmental and social responsibility with a new CSR initiative aimed at protecting dugongs and restoring seagrass ecosystems in Phuket. Led by Disara Changcharoen, Senior Marketing Manager of Jungceylon, the team from Phuket Square Co., Ltd. recently joined a volunteer activity to build protective seagrass areas, an essential food source for dugongs. The…
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Paetongtarn backs clean groundwater in drought-hit Kanchanaburi
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra got her hands dirty, and her lips wet, in Kanchanaburi this week as she toured rural groundwater development projects aimed at solving Thailand’s ongoing water crisis. Yesterday, June 9, the Thai premier made her first stop at the Royal Initiative Project on Groundwater Supply in Ban Pak Chat Nong Bua, located in the Nong Fai subdistrict…
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Phuket marine life in crisis as biologists save species
Marine biologists in Phuket are working tirelessly to protect the island’s marine life, with two sea turtle rescues and an investigation into the mysterious death of a dolphin. Yesterday, June 5, the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) and the Rare Marine Animal Rescue Network sprang into action after receiving reports of two critically endangered species in distress. The first rescue…
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Phuket tackles plastic pollution for World Environment Day
Over 350 participants gathered at Dragon Square in Phuket Town yesterday as the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) launched its World Environment Day campaign. The event, held at Queen Sirikit Park, focused on the urgent need to eliminate single-use plastics, aligning with the United Nations’ 2025 global theme, Beat Plastic Pollution. The event, presided over by PPAO President Rewat Areerob,…
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Thailand seeks 12m baht over coral reef damage by cargo ship
Thailand is pursuing compensation of at least 12 million baht after a Myanmar cargo ship, the MV Ayar Linn, ran aground on a coral reef in Mu Koh Surin National Park, Phang Nga, causing significant environmental damage. On June 1, the vessel was discovered lodged on a coral reef in Ao Jak Bay, according to Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director General of…
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Dugong baby boom? Rare sea creatures spotted off Krabi coast
Krabi’s crystal waters have just delivered a marine miracle—two rare dugongs and a gang of green turtles have been spotted gliding through the waves, sparking hopes of a biodiversity comeback in the Andaman Sea. Park officials in Krabi are celebrating a major boost in marine biodiversity after spotting two new dugongs and a group of green turtles near Ao Nammao…
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False alarm: No volcano threat in Isaan’s Buriram
A mysterious rumbling heard by mushroom pickers near a long-dormant volcano outside Buriram city sparked local fears of an eruption, but officials have now confirmed it was merely the sound of underground water. Last Thursday, May 22, villagers collecting wild mushrooms at the base of Khao Kradong in Mueang district recorded eerie rumbling noises on their phones. One man shared…
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Chiang Rai restaurant struggles as tourists flee contamination fears
A riverside restaurant in Chiang Rai is facing financial struggles as tourists have vanished due to contamination concerns in the Kok River. Despite the safety of land-based eateries, customers remain scarce, impacting income and debt repayment. At the riverside eatery in Ban Pang Ngiu, in the Mueang district of Chiang Rai, the once-bustling atmosphere has become eerily quiet. The dining…
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Snake scare: Huge king cobra terrorises Pattaya backyard pond
Pattaya residents were left stunned after a gigantic 4.5-metre king cobra was discovered swimming in a garden pond, sparking fears for local safety. The rare and dangerous serpent was safely captured by authorities and is set to be released back into the wild, far away from homes. The drama unfolded in Soi Por Or Chieb, Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict, East…
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New plant species discovered at Phu Kradueng National Park
Researchers from Chulalongkorn University have identified three previously unknown plant species during a survey at Phu Kradueng National Park in the northeastern province of Loei. The team, with support from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), focused on spore-bearing plants, including ferns, collecting specimens along the park’s trails. The survey resulted in the collection of 288…
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Better Pattaya plan unites business leaders for greener future
Pattaya’s mayor is doubling down on his Better Pattaya campaign, calling on businesses and residents alike to join forces in turning the beachside city into a cleaner, greener, and more resilient urban hub. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet took centre stage at the annual meeting of the Pattaya-Chon Buri Business and Tourism Association (PCBTA), held at the Sabai Sabana Hotel, where he…
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Phu Kradueng cable car set for 2027 completion amid eco concerns
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed plans to introduce a cable car at Phu Kradueng National Park by 2027, a project initially proposed over 40 years ago. The cable car will accommodate up to 5,000 visitors daily, a limit set by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to mitigate environmental impact. The project has faced prolonged…
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Overturned truck causes crude oil spill on Bangkok road
A sleepy trucker turned a Bangkok expressway into a hazardous oil slick early this morning after dozing off behind the wheel and flipping his 18-wheeler. The incident unfolded at 1.20am today, May 22, on the Kanchanaphisek Road, near kilometre marker 52+900 in Prawet district, as the 18-wheel trailer truck veered into the central reservation and overturned, spilling over 30 tonnes…
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New endangered tree species discovered in South Thailand
A rare tree species has been discovered deep in the wetlands of South Thailand, yet it’s already fighting for survival. Thai researchers have uncovered a brand-new species of tree in Surat Thani province, in what’s being hailed as a major botanical breakthrough. Dubbed “Tharathum,” a poetic blend of the Thai words for water (thara) and tree (tham), the plant was discovered growing…
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Officials capture 94 iguanas wreaking havoc on Thai crops
They’re not native, they’re not welcome — and they’re not slowing down. A swarm of invasive iguanas is causing chaos in central Thailand, and wildlife officials have launched a full-scale capture mission before the situation spirals further out of control. Over five days last week, from May 13 to 17, Thai wildlife officials captured 94 free-roaming iguanas on Khao Phraya…
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17 Irrawaddy dolphins left in Songkhla Lake amid extinction crisis
In Songkhla Lake, the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population has dwindled to only 17, leading the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) to intensify efforts to preserve the species and rejuvenate the lake’s delicate ecosystem. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on visited the lake on Monday, May 19, highlighting the importance of balancing conservation with the development of the Songkhla Lake bridge…
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Chiang Rai water contamination raises public health alarm
A toxic tide is rising in northern Thailand. Dangerous levels of arsenic and lead have been found in the Sai River and parts of the Kok River in Chiang Rai, triggering serious concerns over public health, the environment, and local food sources. According to a damning new report from the Office of Environmental and Pollution Control Region 1 in Chiang…
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Thailand launches first leopard shark rewilding project in Phuket
Thailand has launched its first endangered shark rewilding initiative in Phuket, targeting the restoration of the Indo-Pacific leopard shark’s population. This effort is a collaborative venture involving government bodies, conservation groups, and international partners, marking a significant milestone in the country’s marine conservation efforts. The StAR Project Thailand (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery), introduced on May 16, is spearheaded by…
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Splash and dash! Pattaya swamped as storm lashes city (video)
A torrential morning downpour left Pattaya swamped as a storm left roads underwater, traffic crawling, and snakes slithering into the chaos. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) revealed that there’s more to come. A heavy rainstorm hammered Bang Lamung district in Chon Buri for over an hour starting at 9.36am, yesterday, May 14, flooding large swathes of Pattaya and grinding morning…
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Fire at Bangkok factory causes toxic air pollution and evacuation
A fire broke out at a factory in the capital containing 300 tonnes of plastic pellets, resulting in air pollution and chemical emissions. Residents within a 300-metre radius were evacuated, with recommendations to avoid using air conditioning and instead use fans for ventilation. At 1.30pm yesterday, May 12, at the incident command centre located at Lam Pa Ong School, Doctor…
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Pattaya zoo rolls out ice treats to beat the heat
With Thailand baking in brutal summer heat, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has found a deliciously clever way to keep its furry and feathered residents chill — frozen treats, bamboo bowls, and a whole lot of enrichment. The zoo, located in Chon Buri, has launched a refreshing initiative as part of its Animal Enrichment programme, serving up icy snacks to beat…
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Thailand’s solar rooftop market to see growth amid falling prices
The solar rooftop market in Thailand is poised for increased competition, driven by decreasing prices, a rise in supply from manufacturers, and government initiatives to promote renewable energy. EnergyLIB, a solar energy solutions provider, has introduced a solar system for townhouses, while a consortium including German cable manufacturer Lapp Holding Asia, Hong Kong-based industrial conglomerate Jebsen and Jessen Group, and…
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Krabi locals team up to tackle marine waste in coastal cleanup
A stunning community effort in Krabi has seen volunteers from across the region band together to tackle the growing problem of marine waste along the Ao Ching Chang coastline. The clean-up, which took place yesterday, May 7, focused on removing harmful debris and preserving the area’s fragile marine environment. Led by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and…
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Ancient seashells from Jurassic era uncovered in Surat Thani
In a stunning discovery that has put Surat Thani in the spotlight, a bunch of ancient seashell fossils have been unearthed in the south of Thailand, offering a rare glimpse into the distant past. Experts believe these fossilised treasures are over 145 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic period. The fossils were found across four distinct sites, including…
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Don’t panic: Blaring phone alerts hit Thailand in disaster drill
Don’t panic if your phone blares out an emergency alert this week—it’s not the end of the world, just a test. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is stepping up its game in disaster preparedness with a nationwide trial of its Cell Broadcast warning system. The tests, rolled out in three phases across May, aim to ensure the…
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Phuket fights erosion as turtles and dugongs make a comeback
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on has announced an urgent expansion of erosion control efforts at Sai Kaew Beach in Sirinat National Park near Phuket, following severe shoreline damage and disruption to local communities caused by last year’s monsoon season. During an inspection on May 3, Chalermchai revealed that erosion had severely disrupted transport routes and threatened nearby…
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Giant monitor lizard statue draws crowds to Bangkok park
It slinks, it swims, and now it poses — Bangkok’s iconic monitor lizard just got a supersized tribute in the city’s most famous park. Tourists and locals heading to Lumphini Park can now snap selfies with a massive foam monitor lizard statue — a new temporary installation celebrating one of Bangkok’s most misunderstood but iconic residents. Sanon Wangsangboon, Deputy Governor…
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Pattaya rolls out posh loos to keep tourists cool and comfortable
Pattaya City is taking public convenience to the next level with the launch of high-end mobile toilets equipped with air conditioning, designed to serve residents and tourists, and it’s free of charge. The first of these deluxe loo units is now stationed outside Walking Street, near the South Pattaya Pumping Station. The air-conditioned facility, which caters to both men and…
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