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.
-
Sponsored Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
-
Phuket residents alarmed by sudden worm invasion
Residents of the Phuket Villa 3 housing estate in Wichit found themselves in disarray yesterday when a staggering swarm of “norn pradu” worms descended upon their community. The unexpected invasion left the public park and its surroundings teeming with these small creatures, causing significant distress among the locals. These worms, measuring roughly 2 to 3 centimetres in length, quickly spread…
-
Bangkok air quality goes up in smoke as pm2.5 levels spike
Air quality in Bangkok has deteriorated significantly, with hazardous PM2.5 levels recorded across 49 districts. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) warned citizens about the pollution levels, which were found to be above the standard threshold for health safety. The alarming situation was reported at 7am today, November 13, when GISTDA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science,…
-
Phuket’s waste crisis escalates: Larger landfills urgently needed
Phuket is battling a mounting waste crisis as the island’s landfills struggle to keep up with booming tourism and business expansion. Deputy Mayor Suphot La-ongphet is spearheading urgent efforts to contain the overflow, making a high-stakes visit to Saphan Hin’s landfill sites 4 and 5 on Monday, November 11 to fast-track expansion projects. Landfill 3 is already beyond capacity, with…
-
Going bananas: Thailand’s creative crackdown on Hua Hin’s monkey mayhem
Innovative measures are underway in Thailand to address issues of monkey disturbances in the Hua Hin area, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), in collaboration with the Hua Hin Municipality, has launched a unique operation employing remote control traps to relocate monkeys from Khao Takiab and Khao Hin Lek Fai. The operation,…
-
Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels
Bangkok faced a spike in PM2.5 pollution levels, with 35 areas registering unhealthy air quality, prompting swift action from City Hall. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued warnings to help residents mitigate health impacts from the pollutants. PM2.5, or ultra-fine dust particles, exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in several areas, according to AirBKK, BMA’s…
-
EF Ultimate Break partners with Thailand for eco-friendly holidays
EF Ultimate Break, the experiential travel leader for the 18 to 35 crowd, is taking travel to a whole new level of responsibility with its latest initiative, launched in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Aimed at delivering sustainable, ethically crafted adventures, this new line-up of Thailand tours promises eco-conscious itineraries that will make every traveller feel like…
-
Thai company pumps millions into flooded schools
In a heartfelt mission to aid schools battered by Thailand’s recent floods, Theppadungporn Coconut pledged an impressive 10 million baht to support flood-stricken communities. Through its charitable Love Sharing project, the company is offering 200,000 baht per school to 50 institutions impacted by the devastating September-October floods, aiming to rebuild premises and reignite hope among students and staff. Chosen by…
-
Hazardous e-waste seized near community in Nakhon Pathom
Thai police seized a significant quantity of hazardous electronic waste near a community in the central province of Nakhon Pathom, raising concerns about chemical contamination and pollution. Residents had complained about dust and water runoff from the factory, fearing environmental hazards. Police Colonel Arun Wachirasrikukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, led a team of officers…
-
Dugong numbers in Andaman Sea may drop 70% in four years
Dugong populations in the Andaman Sea face a potential 70% decline within the next four years, primarily due to a shrinking supply of seagrass, their main food source. This alarming prediction was made by a marine biologist, emphasising the urgent need for conservation efforts to save this vulnerable marine mammal. Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted the crisis in seagrass reserves, stressing the…
-
Phuket project aims to save dugongs with new food plots
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in Phuket has initiated an experimental project to combat the decline of seagrass and provide supplementary food for dugongs. The project, currently underway on Rawai Beach, seeks to prevent the extinction of these marine mammals. Experimentation began at the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, where they have established natural…
-
UNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe
Environmentalists are urging a House committee to investigate two reservoir construction projects that they fear may threaten the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex in Nakhon Ratchasima, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Klong Madue reservoir project in Nakhon Nayok and another near the forest complex have raised concerns among conservationists. Suthee Rattanamongkol, leading the Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network,…
-
Purr-fect: Chubby clouded leopard charms all at Chiang Mai Safari (video)
A clouded leopard named Mangpor, residing in Chiang Mai Night Safari, has captured the hearts of social media users with its chubby appearance and playful nature. The 16 year old feline, often mistaken for a giant cat, has become an Internet sensation as visitors flock to catch a glimpse of its endearing antics. Mangpor is part of the Jaguar Trail,…
-
Monitor lizards now open for commercial harvesting in Thailand
A bold new opportunity has emerged in the world of wildlife conservation and commerce: monitor lizards and two species of swiftlet birds have just been reclassified as protected species eligible for commercial farming. Thanks to a landmark move by Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee, Germain’s swiftlet (Aerodramus germani), Black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus), and monitor lizards can now be legally…
-
Sea turtle found tangled and lifeless on Phuket beach
In a heartbreaking discovery, a young olive ridley sea turtle was found dead, entangled in fishing debris on Phuket’s Pak Phra Beach. Officials from Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) were alerted to the tragedy on Tuesday, October 29, by the Marine National Park Operations Centre 2. The juvenile turtle, weighing only 3 kilogrammes, was identified by DMCR’s…
-
Hundreds of Phuket families await relief as flood damage mounts
Phuket’s flood-stricken families are still waiting for disaster relief funds, as officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday, October 31 to address pending disbursements. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Sopon Thongsai, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), reviewed the island’s slow-moving relief fund process. The gathering united…
-
Thailand boosts climate resilience in coastal areas with UN grant
Thailand is actively enhancing its capacity to tackle the escalating threat of climate change, particularly in its marine and coastal areas. This initiative, a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is titled Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in Marine and Coastal Areas along the Gulf of Thailand, and is supported by a US$3 million (101.2 million baht)…
-
‘Fries’ for change: Waste Not, Want Not turns grease into green efforts
Surat Thani Municipality launched a notable initiative titled Waste Not, Want Not, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling used cooking oil. The project, in collaboration with the New Biodiesel Company, encourages residents to exchange used cooking oil for fresh Rin Tip brand oil. The agreement was signed yesterday, October 30, at Surat Thani Municipality’s conference room by Prachert…
-
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar launch Clear Sky to combat pollution
In a bid to blow away the blanket of smog smothering Southeast Asia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar joined forces with a sparkling new initiative: the Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030. The grand unveiling took place at Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, with VIPs Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s top minister, and Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, leading the…
-
Phuket at the helm of Asia’s Urban Act initiative
Phuket has been handpicked as the focal point for the Urban Act initiative, an ambitious drive set to spearhead low-carbon, resilient urban growth across the Asia-Pacific. The announcement was unveiled at a meeting in Phuket Provincial Hall with Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri among the key players present. The Urban Act Project, which kicked off in April…
-
Thailand drones on: Flying tech to lift farmers’ fortunes
Thailand is ready to support the effort to boost farmer access to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, to improve the management of the nation’s agricultural land, Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced. Prasert made this commitment during a Senate meeting, responding to questions from Senator Premsak Piayura regarding the government’s strategies to enhance…
-
Mekong River dams threaten Thailand’s environment and economy, warns NHRC
Transboundary hydropower dam projects along the Mekong River could jeopardise Thailand’s environment, economy, and community welfare, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on October 3, the NHRC highlighted its concerns about four hydropower dam projects: Ban Koum Dam, Sanakham Dam, Phou Ngoy Dam, and Pak Chom Dam, all situated…
-
Chiang Mai cleans up: Sweeping success after the flood
Local government officials in Chiang Mai are shouting from the rooftops about their stellar post-flood recovery, claiming they’ve already swept through 90% of the streets and cleared 40% of the waste. Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn couldn’t be prouder, crediting a dynamic duo effort between the public and private sectors for tackling the flooded chaos with gusto. With the bustling high season…
-
Thailand’s smog showdown: Clearing the air with a bold 30% cut
In a bid to wipe the smog off the map, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) is gearing up for a 2024 blitz on air pollution, aiming to slash hotspots by a daring 30%. PCD Chief Preeyaporn Suwanaked held court at a buzzing press conference, revealing the National Environment Board’s stamp of approval on an ambitious blueprint to combat haze. This…
-
New king cobra species discovered in Thailand (video)
New research has revealed four distinct species of king cobra, including a new variant found in Thailand. Nirut Chamngam, the head of the Herpetology Group, shared this discovery on social media, explaining the differences and implications of these findings. Nirut Chamngam, an expert in snakes and reptiles, posted on Facebook about a new species of king cobra. He clarified that…
-
Get ready to sea it all: Trang opens for snorkeling with marine life
Trang province is now ready to welcome tourists to admire the stunning beauty of the sea at Lao Liang Island. Visitors can snorkel to see schools of anchovy swimming around coral reefs and spot dozens of clownfish among vibrant sea anemones, showcasing the richness of natural marine life. Anan Gingkoyao, also known as Bang Daad, a 36 year old local…
-
Phuket landslide victims to receive 9,000 baht compensation soon
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat assured that compensation from the central government to victims and survivors of the landslide in Kata will be delivered soon. The amount, 9,000 baht per person, will be paid directly into claimants’ bank accounts, Governor Sophon told reporters. He was speaking at the site of the landslide following a merit-making ceremony to support those who suffered…
-
Thailand and Laos spark cross-border renewable energy scheme
Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with the Laotian government to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy across borders, aiming to expedite the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The plan involves encouraging Thai businesses to purchase renewable power from Laos through a cross-border energy attribute certificate scheme, according to an official from the Energy Ministry who requested anonymity.…
-
Powering on: Thailand energy plan sparks a 2.9 trillion baht boost
Thailand’s new National Energy Plan (NEP) aims to drive significant investment and promote clean energy, with a projected 2.9 trillion baht in capital spending over the next 13 years. Central to this initiative is the emphasis on solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The NEP 2024, scheduled for implementation from this year until 2037, integrates a comprehensive power development…
-
Leopard spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi
A leopard made a rare daytime appearance in Kaeng Krachan National Park, located in the Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi. Mongkol Chaipakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, confirmed that a tourist captured detailed photos of the leopard lounging on a road inside the park on Tuesday, October 15. Mongkol noted that leopard sightings have become more frequent recently, indicating…
-
Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice
More than 200 climate activists descended on the United Nations Headquarters in Bangkok yesterday passionately demanding an end to climate change laws and carbon credit systems that favour corporate giants. The rally, titled “System Change Not Climate Crisis,” aimed to pressure the Thai government ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan from November…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.