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 Moving with family? Here’s how to cut health costs in Thailand
Relocating to Thailand with your family brings exciting new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenge of managing healthcare costs in a new system. Thailand has both public and private healthcare options, each offering different prices and quality of...
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ASEAN Heritage Parks status granted to three Thai nature reserves
Three Thailand nature reserves have been recognised by the prestigious ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). Government representative Rachada Dhnadirek yesterday announced the good news that Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Khieo Wildlife Forest Reserve, and Nam Nao National Park all made the distinguished list. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment received the information during their recent attendance at the 34th…
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Nitric acid leak prompts emergency response in Bangkok: Investigation underway
A chemical emergency has struck the Prawet district, in Bangkok following a leak of nitric acid. Authorities, including a specialised team from the Lat Yao Fire Station, swiftly arrived at the scene to prevent further spread. The property owner, who utilises the chemical acid for stainless steel work, possesses the correct permit, but authorities will conduct further investigation to ensure…
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New flower species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary by researchers
In the lush Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Betong district of Yala province, researchers have made a remarkable discovery, two new species of flowers, belonging to the Annonaceae family – which hosts the well-known custard apple – have been identified by a team from Prince of Songkla University (PSU). The finding was announced this week by Charan Leeratiwong,…
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Bangkok cleanup: State railway clear rubbish on future elevated train line site
An assertive Bangkok cleanup approach has been taken by both the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in conjunction with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), to clear mounting rubbish clustered along the rail tracks in proximity to Phaya Thai. This follows a poignant post by a Japanese Twitter user which displayed the deplorable conditions encircling a Kiha-183 train, generously donated to…
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Historic return of leatherback sea turtle boosts marine hope on Phuket beach
In a remarkable event, a large leatherback sea turtle has chosen to lay its eggs on the shores of Karon Beach in Phuket. Local officials have since hurried to check the site and set up protective measures as the site is all set to become a maternity nest for the enormous creature. This is the first instance of a turtle…
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Phuket plans 1,000 tree planting endeavour at Thalang Park for King’s birthday
Officials in Phuket revealed plans to plant 1,000 trees at the renowned Thalang Memorial Park, also known as the Victory Field, come this Sunday. The tree planting endeavour coincides with the activities commemorating the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, which will be celebrated on July 28. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew chaired the meeting where this announcement was made. In…
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Thai potash mine disaster: Unseen contamination taints 10,000 rai of land
Analysis from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI) has found a worrying degree of contamination on a significant amount of agricultural land adjacent to a potash mine in Nakhon Ratchasima. As per the analysis, over 10,000 rai of land has been tainted with sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The firm holding the operating rights to the mine, Thai Kali Co,…
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Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020
Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…
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Thai Court holds PM and NEB accountable for escalating Chiang Mai pollution
The Administrative Court yesterday decreed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the National Environmental Board (NEB) were guilty of neglecting their duties in addressing the escalating toxic air pollution in the province of Chiang Mai. This denunciation originated from a case initiated by a local man named Wasuchart Pichai. Wasuchart argued that he has been adversely impacted by the haze…
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Phuket launches pilot reforestation project for combating climate change
A unique pilot project bolstering reforestation efforts was initiated in Phuket yesterday. This initiative marks a concentrated effort towards environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Spearheaded by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Rowing Association of Thailand, the project saw its launch at the Nai Harn public park in Rawai. The event was strategically selected based on a…
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Earthquake investigation uncovers overlooked fault line behind 4.5 magnitude tremor in northern Thailand
Phitsanulok and Pichit provinces, situated in the north of Thailand, were recently shaken by a significant earthquake, rated 4.5 on the Richter scale. The tremors caused noticeable damage to various buildings, including residences, religious sites, schools, and a hospital. As the earthquake investigation progresses, the fault line is currently under scrutiny by the Department of Mineral Resources and is suspected…
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Villages and academic collaboration gathers crucial data on Mekong River dam projects’ impact
In a collective stance against two prospective dam projects along the Mekong River, villagers from five communities, researchers, as well as a Thai university, have teamed up. The collaboration aims to gather comprehensive data regarding their local economy, natural resources, and potential downstream impacts. The participation from within the communities stretches to Ubon Ratchathani province, located in northeast Thailand. The…
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Thailand food waste project reduces emissions and promotes carbon trading
Progress has been made in managing household waste and reducing carbon emissions at a local level in Thailand, with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) celebrating the success of the ‘Food Waste Management for Climate Action and a Commitment to Sustainable Thailand’ project. This project aims to broaden emissions reduction efforts and manage carbon credits in alignment with the United Nations’…
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ASEAN centre initiative proposed by MFP leader to tackle Chiang Mai PM2.5
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has expressed interest in creating an ASEAN centre for combatting PM2.5 pollution in Chiang Mai. Pita Limjaroenrat, the prime ministerial candidate, elaborated on the proposal during a meeting yesterday with representatives from civil society, private industries, and businesses severely impacted by the province’s pollution crisis. Pita stressed the need for cooperation at the local, national,…
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Thai Cabinet supports Ethanol Bioplastic for eco-friendly transition
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light for the promotion of ethanol in the production of bioplastics, aiming to develop more eco-friendly materials, according to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. This decision supports the ethanol bioplastic manufacturing industry with tax exemptions for bioethylene, a key precursor in bioplastic pellet production. Current legislation states that domestically produced ethanol can only be…
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Thantawan Industry Plc targets eco-friendly products for Thai BCG initiative
There’s a new eco-friendly initiative in Thailand. Thantawan Industry Plc, a leading plastic manufacturer and developer of innovative products, is focusing on producing eco-friendly products in support of the Thai government’s bio-, circular, and green (BCG) economic development initiatives. The company’s garbage bags, made from recycled plastic beads, and straws, which are made from biodegradable materials, are aimed at helping…
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Thai Rice NAMA initiative offers eco-friendly rice giveaway for farmers
Bangchak Corporation Limited has selected Thai Rice NAMA as a token of appreciation for customers on World Environment Day, in support of Thai farmers using innovative growing techniques to combat climate change. By fuelling vehicles for 900 baht, patrons can receive a free 200 gram pack of Thai Rice NAMA, worth 15 baht, from June 5 to 30 (or until…
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Doi Inthanon National Park pioneers integrated conservation area management approach
Doi Inthanon National Park is piloting a holistic area conservation approach, with a focus on integrated administration and avoiding unnecessary burdens on personnel. This pioneering project aims to effectively manage the park’s 16 sub-agencies and a budget of 50 million baht, whilst protecting the natural environment and resources. Doi Inthanon National Park, the country’s highest peak, is launching a comprehensive…
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Chiang Rai tackles severe PM 2.5 with China-Thai collaboration on air pollution
In response to the severe PM 2.5 air pollution and forest fire smog issues affecting Chiang Rai, Thai and Chinese experts have collaborated to provide sustainable solutions. They are working to tackle this complex problem, which has been difficult to predict due to fluctuating weather conditions. Representatives from Chiang Rai’s Natural Resources and Environment Office collaborated with Gansheng Shi, an…
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Animal fat jet fuel demand risks palm oil surge, worsening emissions
The use of animal fat as a greener alternative to traditional jet fuel is raising concerns about its impact on the environment. Animal fats, considered waste, are used to create aviation fuel with a lower carbon footprint. Demand for such fuel is expected to triple by 2030, driven by airlines. However, experts warn that scarcity in animal fat could lead…
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THAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) has recently partnered with Bangchak Corporation Plc to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focusing on technical and professional knowledge sharing in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilisation. The chief of corporate strategy at THAI, Taviroj Songkumpol, stated that the national carrier has been striving for over 63 years to maintain a balance…
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Bangkok seeks 90 billion baht budget approval for green spaces and pollution projects
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to request a 90 billion baht budget for 2024, with plans to revise policies in line with global trends and the new cabinet’s direction. This decision follows a recent meeting of the Bangkok Executive Board, chaired by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Chadchart revealed that the budget management format would adopt a zero-based budgeting approach.…
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Dead dolphin found on Krabi beach with wound on body
In a sad development for Thailand’s wildlife lovers, a dead dolphin was found washed up on a beach in Thailand’s Krabi province, with a wound on its body. The lifeless body of the dolphin was discovered on the island of Koh Sri Boya in the Nuea Khlong district yesterday morning. A village headman told the Department of Marine and Coastal…
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Jelly blubbers return to southern Thailand river after 3 years
Jelly blubbers, a kind of jellyfish, have returned to a river in Songkhla province in southern Thailand after disappearing for more than three years. Aerial photos reveal jelly blubbers (Catostylus mosaicus) in their masses floating in the Khlong Bang Rieng River in Bang Riang subdistrict, Khuan Niang district, which locals say is a rare natural phenomenon. Normally, jelly blubbers reside…
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Asia-Pacific countries need US$362 billion annually for climate action, says UN
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlighted the urgent need for significant funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP’s Accelerating Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific report reveals that most countries in the area are inadequately prepared for extreme weather events and natural disasters, which…
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Climate activists disrupt shareholder meetings, target corporate carbon footprints
Climate activists have been ramping up pressure on corporations during shareholder meetings, using various tactics to demand action on carbon emissions and climate change. These tactics range from asking numerous questions to more creative approaches, such as singing or even throwing cake at executives. Volkswagen’s recent shareholder meeting became a focal point for activists, with a cake thrown at supervisory…
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TAT aims to reel in foodie tourists with new sustainable culinary programme (video)
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights on further enhancing Thailand’s reputation as a culinary destination while promoting sustainability. The TAT is now aiming to reel in foodie tourists with the new Amazing Thailand Culinary City programme, aimed at promoting gastronomy tourism. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, stated that the Amazing Thailand Culinary…
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After heavy rain, 130 kilograms of fish found dead at Phuket lake
After heavy rainfall, around 130 kilogrammes of fish were found dead at Phuket‘s Nai Harn Lake in Rawai. Fisheries officials inspected the lake earlier this week after receiving reports of many fish found dead. Upon inspection, it was discovered that heavy rain had washed dirt and sediment into the lake, polluting the water and reducing the available oxygen, Phuket Fisheries…
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Thai university makes bulletproof vests from recycled plastic
Scientists at Naresuan University in northern Thailand made bulletproof vests out of recycled plastic waste which they donated to the soldiers of Royal Thai Army Area 3 in Phitsanulok province on Monday. The vests are made from a mixture of car headlight parts, dialysis bags, rubber shoes, and plastic from the sea. The bulletproof vests were created under the project…
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Green candidates struggle for support in Thailand’s election amid pollution crisis
Amid escalating pollution in Thailand, green political candidates face an uphill battle to gain traction with voters ahead of the elections. Despite hazardous smog plaguing Bangkok and northern Chiang Mai, environmental issues have taken a backseat to populist welfare policies as political parties try to outdo each other. Green Party leader Phongsa Choonaem admitted that while the public’s understanding of…
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