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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Phuket outlines five-year sustainability development plan
Phuket advances with innovative efforts that integrate community-based tourism, gastronomy, and smart city solutions as part of a five-year development plan for sustainable growth. Suphon Suwannarat, the governor of Phuket Province, highlights the long-term vision. “We have a 20-year development goal for Phuket province, which is Phuket as a city of the new economy based on sustainable development to create…
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Thailand’s ‘Glowing Owl’ flower: A rare botanical spectacle
Deep in Thailand’s remote wilderness, one of nature’s rarest and strangest blooms is set to emerge from the forest floor, leaving tourists and botanists scrambling for a glimpse. The mysterious Thismia thaithongiana, also known as Phisawong Owl’s Eye, is about to make its annual appearance in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province on Thailand’s eastern border with Myanmar. Discovered…
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Thai Cabinet levels flood compensation at 9,000 baht
The Thai Cabinet has revised flood victim compensation to a uniform rate of 9,000 baht per household, replacing the previous variable range of 5,000 to 9,000 baht. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting, citing the severity of the flood situation as the reason for the new compensation structure. “The government decided that all affected households…
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Pattaya’s wastewater treatment project delayed again
Pattaya City Hospital is asking for a major budget extension to tackle its long-delayed wastewater treatment project. The hospital, under the Health and Environment Bureau, has requested an additional period for the disbursement of 23.8 million baht—part of a total 25.3 million baht budget—to continue its vital environmental initiative. Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn presented the proposal at a Pattaya City…
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Reasons for high electricity bills in Thailand’s apartment
Have you ever been shocked by a high electricity bill, even though you’re very thoughtful about how you use it? It can be frustrating when the numbers just add up, leaving you wondering what went wrong. But there are often reasons behind these surprising costs. Let’s take a closer look at one woman’s experience and see if you might relate…
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Solar power push: A bright idea to boost clean energy at home
The National Energy Policy Administration Committee are deliberating an increase in the purchase of solar power from households to bolster clean energy initiatives and promote the installation of rooftop solar panels, according to an energy official. The committee had previously sanctioned a plan to acquire 90 megawatts (MW) of solar power from homeowners, spanning from 2021 to 2030. Recent advocacy…
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Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge
Phuket grapples with a mounting waste crisis as tourism surges post-pandemic. The island’s waste disposal plant now receives 1,100 tonnes of garbage daily, a significant rise from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year, according to deputy governor Norasak Suksomboon. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, where 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers…
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Sustainability expo 2024 opens in Bangkok, urgent action needed
Immediate action is necessary for sustainability, warns Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX2024) yesterday in Bangkok, he highlighted the urgency of change as emphasised by the sufficiency economy theory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great King Rama IX. Sumet elaborated on the theory, noting that while it originally seemed…
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Thailand to introduce carbon tax to curb emissions this year
Thailand is set to implement a carbon tax this year, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced at the Road to Net Zero 2024: The Extraordinary Green event. The Finance Ministry plans to propose the carbon tax measure to the Cabinet for approval soon, with the goal of rolling it out in the coming months. Paopoom explained that this measure aims to…
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Chiang Mai pings alarm: River hits record high, flooding fears return
The water level of the Ping River in Chiang Mai reached its highest point last night, breaking previous records and exceeding the severe flooding of 2011. This led to flooding in several areas of the province, including vital economic zones such as the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan Road. Channel 7 reported today, September 26, that the water…
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Eco-friendly castaway: Phuket hosts 25th ITOP Forum for sustainable island tourism
Phuket proudly hosts the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum, welcoming representatives from island destinations across the globe from September 24 to 27. With over 150 leaders and policymakers from tourism hubs such as Bali (Indonesia), Hainan (China), Jeju Island (South Korea), Okinawa (Japan), and Zanzibar (Tanzania), the event aims to foster collaboration and share strategies for sustainable tourism development…
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Chiang Rai launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ after flood devastation
Chiang Rai is gearing up for a massive province-wide cleanup on Sunday, September 29, aiming to restore communities battered by recent floods. Dubbed “Big Cleaning Day,” this operation will target public spaces and homes in eight zones across the capital district, with a special focus on vulnerable residents, including the elderly and disabled. But it’s not all smooth sailing. A…
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Chiang Mai braces for potential flooding as water levels rise
Urgent warnings from the Chiang Mai Irrigation Office have been issued regarding the expected rise in water levels at Nawarat Bridge. The water is predicted to peak at approximately 4.45 metres early tomorrow morning. The Chiang Mai Irrigation Office 1 announced today, September 25, that due to the influence of Typhoon Surigae, significant rainfall from three days ago has caused…
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New alert system to be rolled out for natural disasters in Thailand
The Government of Thailand is set to roll out SMS alerts for natural disasters, ensuring the public is warned of impending danger, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong revealed today. Prasert, who also serves as deputy PM, announced that the decision was made during a high-stakes meeting yesterday, September 23, attended by key players such as the Disaster Prevention…
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New land slug species discovered in Thailand
Two newly discovered species of land slugs have been identified in Thailand, prompting further research on their conservation. The Animal Systematics Research Unit at Chulalongkorn University revealed these findings yesterday, September 23. Land slugs, also known as banana slugs in central Thailand, belong to the same group as snails but have lost their shells completely. Locally, they are known by…
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Monsoon leaves Patong Beach littered with trash and plastic waste
Patong Beach has become heavily littered with trash and plastic waste as the southwestern monsoon continues to batter Phuket’s west coast. A large section of the beach was found covered in debris on Sunday afternoon, September 22, highlighting an ongoing environmental issue. A local expatriate, having lived in Phuket for approximately five years, described the situation along the northern part…
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Nemo’s profit party: Clownfish breeding makes 1 million baht splash
The Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Trang has successfully bred over 20 species of clownfish, commonly known as Nemo fish, this year, resulting in sales surpassing those of the previous year and generating nearly 1 million baht in revenue. Trang Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre director Patcharee Soonsan announced yesterday, September 23, the achievement of breeding 20…
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Rail-y bad landslide derails Lampang-Chiang Mai train services
Travel chaos struck the northern rail line today as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced an indefinite shutdown of services between Lampang and Chiang Mai due to a devastating landslide and severe flooding. The dramatic incident unfolded last night, wreaking havoc on the track between Mae Tan Noi Railway Station in Lampang and Tha Chompoo in Lamphun. The rail…
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Koh Loi residents face severe rubbish and mud post-flood crisis
Residents of Koh Loi in Chiang Rai are grappling with overwhelming amounts of rubbish and mud following severe flooding. The floodwaters from the Kok River, which surged on September 11, have left the community struggling to clean up, with waste accumulating and emitting foul odours. Flooding has severely impacted the Koh Loi and Thoet Phra Kiat communities, causing significant damage…
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Brakes off: Bangkok’s car free day lets tourists cruise sans traffic
Bangkok is revving up for Car Free Day this weekend on Banthat Thong Road, offering a vehicle-free zone for tourists to cruise around and soak up various activities. The event, dubbed Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life, aligns with the annual World Car Free Day on September 22, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. In a…
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Severe storm sinks seven fishing boats in Koh Libong
A severe storm hit Koh Libong, resulting in seven local fishing boats sinking and significant damage to resorts and homes. The residents are currently self-reliant due to impassable sea conditions, with waves reaching 2 to 3 metres high. Yesterday, September 18, reports emerged of intense rainfall and strong winds striking Koh Libong, Moo 5, Ban Lang Khao, Koh Libong subdistrict,…
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Waste not, want not: Thailand tightens reins on dirty paper imports
Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department is cracking down on dirty deals—literally. Stricter import controls on waste paper are in the works to safeguard public health and protect the environment. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, Foreign Trade Department Director-General, dropped the bombshell. The Commerce Ministry has been inundated with reports all year from concerned entrepreneurs. These tip-offs revealed that imported waste paper is ending up…
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Flooding in Thailand reduced to 13 provinces, 45 dead, 24 injured
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) initially reported that 30 provinces experienced flooding but it has now reduced to 13 provinces. Some 45 people have died, and 24 sustained injuries. Efforts are ongoing to assist those affected and alleviate public distress. The floods, which occurred between August 16 and yesterday, impacted 30 provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai,…
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Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country. This decision, taken at the new Cabinet’s first weekly meeting, will provide financial relief to approximately 338,391 households affected by flooding since May, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The financial…
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Thailand and Myanmar to expand catchment areas amid flood crisis
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is negotiating with Myanmar officials to find collaborative solutions to the regional flood crisis. Discussions focus on expanding catchment areas to alleviate the flooding impact. Myanmar faces severe flooding due to storms and water flowing from the highlands into the Salween River. The Thai embassy in Myanmar is facilitating discussions between agencies from both nations…
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Severe storm hits Phatthalung, leaving homes roofless
A severe storm hit Phatthalung, causing significant damage to homes and property. Strong winds, referred to as a Lom Hua Duan by locals, and heavy rain devastated the area, leaving at least 14 homes roofless and five homes completely destroyed. Yesterday evening, strong gusts of wind combined with heavy rainfall struck the Khuan Sawaeng village in Khok Sai subdistrict, Pa…
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Ubon Ratchathani prepares for Mekong River flood threat
Ubon Ratchathani’s governor has instructed all relevant departments to prepare for the imminent overflow of the Mekong River and its tributaries, expected to inundate five districts in four days. Today, September 16, Suphasit Kochareonyot, Ubon Ratchathani governor, along with disaster prevention and mitigation officials, inspected the Khong Chiam district, where the Mekong River converges with the Mun River. The Mekong…
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Urgent steps needed for mud removal in post-flood Chiang Rai
Combating post-flood mud in Chiang Rai requires urgency and efficiency, with recommendations to act before the mud hardens. Sombat Boonngamanong of the Mirror Foundation shared ten practical steps for cleaning homes after flooding, focusing on effective mud removal. Floodwaters have receded in Chiang Rai, leaving behind layers of mud that have even reached rooftops in some areas. The first task…
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Drain expectations: Water woes in Thailand get fast-tracked fix
Government officials are pulling out all the stops to accelerate water drainage in the flood-stricken northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. The 58 year old deputy PM emphasised that swift action in draining water into the Mekong River could dramatically lessen the flood impacts compared to the…
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Mekong your way to better flood control: Experts call for joint effort
The International Rivers Network issued a stark warning, calling on the government to urgently team up with neighbouring nations to manage the Mekong River more effectively. The aim? To cut economic losses and save lives when future floods hit. Pianporn Deetes, the Campaign Director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, revealed that recent devastating floods in…
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