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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Draining dilemma: ONWR chief dives into Phuket’s watery challenge
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) Secretary-General visited Phuket to see if he could manage to solve the popular Thai island’s daily wastewater conundrum. Phuket has to deal with about 55,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily. ONWR Secretary-General Surasee Kittimonthon visited Phuket to address the resort’s water management issues, including flooding and potential droughts. Surasee inspected the Patong Municipality…
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Oil spill disrupts Sri Racha coast, Thai Oil Company responds swiftly
The waters off Sri Racha coast in Chon Buri were tainted by an oil spill on Sunday night, September 3. The Thai Oil Public Company Limited’s refinery, located in the Sri Racha district, reported the leakage during an oil discharge from a tanker at the Single Buoy Mooring Buoy (SBM-2). Approximately 45,000 litres of crude oil seeped into the sea,…
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Phuket water management: ONWR takes action on shortages, flooding, and wastewater
Phuket’s enduring issues of water shortages, flooding and inadequate wastewater management are set to be addressed by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). Surasri Kidtimonton, the secretary-general of ONWR, recently visited the province to track the progress of the water management plan and forest preservation initiatives around Kathu district’s natural water resources. Although Phuket stands as a crucial…
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Climate change hits Thai economy, calls for smart agriculture surge
The economy has been negatively impacted due to the challenges presented by climate change, leading to a decrease in farmers’ income because of reduced production, and affecting foreign investment. This has subsequently resulted in higher inflation and cost of living and impacted the export of agricultural products and food. This insight is according to a recent study conducted by the…
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Severe drought in Uthai Thani prompts wildlife migration, risks for locals
Uthai Thani’s Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is grappling with a severe drought attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, prompting elephants and various other species to migrate into nearby regions in search of food, according to an official announcement. The sanctuary’s wildlife breeding station chief, Tonsak Nipanan, stated that wildlife has encroached upon the station’s area and beyond. The breeding…
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Thai research probes herbal solutions to PM2.5 dust-related chronic diseases
In promising scientific research, experts are exploring the potential of three herbal plants in combatting chronic diseases connected to PM2.5 dust. The focal point of this collaborative project is to address the health challenges arising from prolonged exposure to harmful PM2.5 dust particles, a pressing concern in regions affected by air pollution. The collaborative efforts have seen researchers from Chaophraya…
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Oil corporations slickly tap influencers, sparking eco-conscious uproar
Top oil corporations are increasingly utilising social media influencers to advertise their products, a move that has provoked criticism from environmentally conscious followers. The influencers, typically known for sharing lifestyle content, are now endorsing petrol stations, fuel rewards, and club cards. Instances of such promotions were identified by AFP across India, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States on platforms…
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Endangered marine species in Thailand: Governer’s plea for protection
A call to action for the protection of endangered marine species has been made by Surat Thani Governor Wichawut Jinto. The plea came in response to a recent marine survey, carried out over a nine-day period in the Gulf of Thailand, which revealed a worrying decline in the population of certain species. The endangered marine species survey, conducted by the…
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Probing Phuket: 49 residences face investigation over suspected illegal construction
Investigations have been launched into 49 residences suspected of illegal construction in Thailand’s Phuket region. Thalang District Chief, Bancha Thanu-in, instructed the leaders of Thepkrasattri Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) and Sakhu OrBorTor to carry out these probes. These alleged violations came to light earlier this month, with a deadline of September 15 for the two OrBorTor chiefs to present their…
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Stinking situation: Thai community fights factory stench, faces relocation woes
For years, the residents of the Ban Thammarat community in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been tormented by the foul odour emitted by the wastewater from a local rubber factory. Despite their pleas for regular inspections and serious action towards wastewater management, the issue remains unresolved, forcing some to relocate. The community, located in Area 5, has long complained about the…
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El Nino triggers drought risk for 16.5 million rai of Thai agricultural land
Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16.5 million rai of agricultural land nationwide will be impacted by reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon this year. The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Apai Sutthisang, expressed concern over the impending dry season, particularly as the effects of El Nino are predicted to intensify in November. The Royal Irrigation…
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Climate change: Thai businesses warned of ‘global boiling,’ rising power costs
The United Nations has warned of the global boiling – the intense rise in temperatures and associated power costs we are seeing now, which are predicted to only worsen in the future. Thailand witnessed an unprecedented rise in electricity bills and an all-time high average temperature in July. This salient shift in weather patterns is leading businesses and governments to consider…
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Nearly extinct Eastern Sarus Crane eggs discovered in rice field
In a significant win for wildlife conservation, eggs of the Eastern Sarus Crane – also known as Thai Cranes – were found in a rice field adjacent to the Huai Talat Reservoir Non-Hunting Area in the Mueang district of Buriram, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The cranes were believed to be mostly extinct…
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Phuket boat owner faces charges for damaging marine environment with oil leak
In the heart of Phuket, a boat has been reported for causing environmental harm by releasing oil into the ocean waters. This action has invited the wrath of the Phuket Marine Office that, after investigation, lodged a complaint against the unidentified boat. In recounting the old narrative, it was revealed that a substantial amount of oil had been leaked into…
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Thailand’s space dreams: Lifting off into high-tech horizons with spaceport ambitions
In an exhilarating bid to broaden its horizons and step into the global platform of high tech exploration and innovation, Thailand declared its ambitious plans to construct a spaceport. Undertaken under the vigilant eyes of the interim Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the initiative exhibits strong determination and has the potential to offer extensive economic benefits including around 400 job…
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Oil slicks threatens Phuket beaches, authorities seek culprits
In the Thalang district of Phuket island, the beautiful scenery was marred by the unexpected appearance of oil slicks and tar balls along four beaches. These are being carefully removed from the coastline of the Sirinat National Park by a mix of residents and authorities. The cleanup started on Friday after an alert was raised by the Layan Beach station…
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Oil spill on Phuket beaches met with quick cleanup response
Late yesterday afternoon marked the start of a clean-up operation on the northwest shores of Phuket. Beachgoers were met with harrowing sight of oil and tar balls, accompanied by traces of oil slick that had made their unpleasant appearance on the beaches. The beaches targeted by the operation included locations at Nai Yang, Mai Khao, Nai Thon, and Layan. The…
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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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Koh Lan: Azure sea turns green from wastewater-induced phytoplankton bloom
In the popular tourist island of Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya Beach, a startling twist of events made headlines when the placid blue seawater abruptly turned into an unattractive shade of green, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Koh Lan, characterised by its renowned turquoise shoreline, is found 7 kilometres off the coast…
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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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PTT Plc amplifies renewable energy drive with hydrogen fuel advancement
National energy titan PTT Plc is bolstering initiatives to harness additional renewable power sources and progress its hydrogen fuel enterprise, as part of a strategy for sustainable company growth. Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, Senior Executive Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures, specified that PTT’s existing blueprint is to create 12 gigawatts of renewable electricity and restrict power generated from non-renewable fuels…
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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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Long neglect of Huay Phak reservoir ends with clean-up efforts to boost tourism
Following a 15-year period of struggle, locals in Ratchaburi acclaimed the arrival of machinery from the province’s administrative organisation to remove invasive plants from the Huay Phak reservoir. The primary aim is to promote future tourism, optimising the area’s natural beauty. Today, provincial governor, Wiwat Nitigarnjana, accompanied by provincial representative Boonying Nitigarnjana, visited the reservoir to inspect the ongoing machinery…
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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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