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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Thai cops make waves with underwater raid on illegal timber stash
Police in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand, conducted a significant raid on an illegal timber storage site, seizing a large quantity of protected wood both on land and underwater. Individuals have until July 15 to present ownership documents or face legal action. Director of Forest Fire Prevention, Suppression, and Control Narupon Thipmonda ordered the Director of the Forest Protection and Suppression Unit,…
-
Chumphon’s rosewood row: Locals prickled by illegal tree cutting
Residents of Chumphon raised concerns over the unauthorised cutting of five large rosewood trees, aged 20 years, by a local community leader. The trees were sold to a private investor for a substantial sum without government approval. The community leader, alongside locals, allegedly used chainsaws to fell the rosewood trees located in the Tha Sae district, selling them to a…
-
Samut Sakhon release 90,000 Asian seabass, targets invasive fish
Samut Sakhon officials launched an operation to release 90,000 barramundis (Asian seabass) to combat the invasive blackchin tilapia. The first release is scheduled for tomorrow, July 12, with a focus on introducing large-sized barramundis into the local waterways. A senior fisheries officer in Samut Sakhon, Niran Promkruan revealed the operation, with the initiative marking a significant step in using the…
-
FTI disappointed by the underutilisation of biomass and biogas
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed discontent with the state’s plan to reduce biomass and biogas fuels in the upcoming power development plan (PDP). The FTI advocates for maintaining or increasing the proportion of these fuels to better utilise agricultural waste. Scheduled for enforcement from 2024 to 2037, the PDP promotes a substantial increase in renewable power, with a…
-
Minor International celebrates sustainable business achievements
Minor International (MINT) is celebrating the efforts of businesses who have committed to sustainable growth and operating ethically. MINT, a Thai multinational company, specialises in hospitality, restaurant and lifestyle businesses located across 63 countries. Serving customers from the Asia-Pacific all the way to the America’s, MINT’s business portfolio consists of thousands of providers of food, hotels and tourism experiences. Seeing…
-
New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark
Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…
-
Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians
Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender. Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head…
-
Ang Thong park still positive amid worst coral bleaching in decades
Ang Thong National Marine Park is experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with conditions expected to improve by August. The park anticipates earning over 40 million baht in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Ang Thong National Marine Park is grappling with a significant coral bleaching crisis, its most severe case in the last…
-
No plastics allowed: Koh Nang Yuan protects coral reefs
Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Koh Nang Yuan, renowned for its three interconnected islets with pristine white sands, has long upheld a strict no-plastic policy. This rule extends to the thousands of tourists who flock to its shores each day,…
-
Locals protest against dolomite mine near Thai national park
Protests erupted near Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi as locals voiced their opposition to the opening of a private dolomite mine on a 540-rai plot of land, situated just 1 kilometre from the national park. Concerns centre around the potential negative impacts on their way of life and the park’s environment. Somchet Chantana, Director of the Phetchaburi Office of…
-
Floodwaters cause extensive damage in Lopburi village (video)
A video on Facebook captured the floodwaters inundating Tha Din Dam village in Chai Badan district, Lopburi province, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Rotsukhon Phromma posted a clip showing the severe flooding that affected shops and residential areas in Tha Din Dam. “Why is the water so strong again? The shop is completely ruined. Be careful, it’s dangerous.…
-
Thailand govt to review Thap Lan National Park boundary
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan addressed public concerns over the proposed boundary adjustments to Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima. Public opinion will be considered before final decisions are made by this Friday, July 12. The issue currently undergoing public consultation has drawn mixed reactions, with some citizens voicing…
-
Dam it all! Khon Kaen’s concrete defence crumbles
A concrete-reinforced dam in Khon Kaen, in place for over 18 years, has broken due to water erosion from a large reservoir, creating a 20-metre gap. Officials are now rushing to repair the breach to prevent further damage. The dam, located in Ban Loeng, Khon Kaen, was built in 2006 and has been maintained by the local administration. The recent surge…
-
Pattaya plunged! Streets submerged after heavy rain havoc
Heavy rainfall early today in Pattaya City led to severe flooding, submerging streets and stranding numerous vehicles. The sudden downpour created chaos in various key locations, significantly impacting daily life. Many cars and motorcycles were unexpectedly caught as water levels rose swiftly, particularly affecting sedans parked along roadsides. Notable areas such as Third Road, the Mum Aroi Restaurant intersection in…
-
When it rains, it bugs: Phayao’s Jing Kung season is cracking good
The rainy season brings a unique culinary delight to Phayao – the “Jing Kung” or egg-laden mole cricket, which is now in abundance. Prized for its delicious taste and high nutritional value, locals eagerly dig them up for consumption and sale. During the rainy season, the egg-laden mole cricket, also known as “Jing Kung” or “Ji Khrong,” becomes a sought-after…
-
Love bug: Rare blue beetle blooms in Phayao village
A rare blue love flower beetle was discovered in Mae Sai Village, Phayao province, feeding on the leaves of a climbing plant. This small, shiny insect with distinctive features is increasingly hard to find. Phan Yudee from Mae Sai Village, Phayao Province, recently encountered a blue love flower beetle, a rare insect, feeding on the leaves of a climbing plant.…
-
Mae Hong Son hit by 3.1 magnitude earthquake, mild tremors
An earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale struck Mae Hong Son today causing mild tremors felt by residents. The quake, which occurred at 5.23am, today, July 4, had its epicentre in the Huai Pu Ling sub-district, Mueang district of Mae Hong Son. The Department of Mineral Resources’ Earthquake Operations Center, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reported…
-
Thailand vows stronger action against transboundary haze pollution
Thailand has pledged to intensify efforts against transboundary haze pollution in collaboration with regional partners, according to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan. Phatcharavat announced yesterday, July 3, at an ASEAN sub-regional ministerial committee meeting on haze pollution in Bangkok. Representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand attended the meeting, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer. Expressing gratitude for the collaborative…
-
Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos
Koh Samui is reeling from an acute water shortage as its reservoirs are drying up amid a prolonged drought. On the neighbouring island of Phuket, residents are battling heavy rainfall and flooding. Koh Samui’s main reservoir, with a capacity of 800,000 cubic metres, is down to a mere 10%, enough to last just two weeks. The Krajood reservoir fares slightly…
-
Blackchin tilapia fish threatens Songkhla Lake
The Songkhla provincial fisheries office is urging the public to report any sightings of the invasive blackchin tilapia in local waterways. This predatory fish, originally from Africa, poses a severe threat to the delicate balance of Songkhla’s aquatic ecosystems. Sightings of the blackchin tilapia have been confirmed in several canals within the Ranot district, which are directly connected to Songkhla…
-
Phuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns
Inadequate infrastructure development in Phuket is struggling to match the island’s rapid urbanisation and severe flooding, tarnishing its reputation. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient budget and upgrade public facilities as promised is a significant concern. The President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, highlighted that 60% of tourists are first-time visitors who might not return if infrastructure issues…
-
Korat locals protest against potash mining expansion
Korat locals gathered in force to protest against the government’s controversial plan to grant additional mining concessions in their province. Amid growing tensions and heartfelt pleas, the demonstrators demanded compensation for the devastating impacts existing mines have already had on their lives. The protesters, arriving at Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima University at 9am, were determined to deliver their message to Prime…
-
Thailand urged to harness and adopt solar energy to cut costs
Thailand’s abundance of sunlight offers an opportunity for a solar energy revolution, but high costs and regulatory barriers are holding back widespread adoption. Vice President of the Solar Energy Association of Thailand, Piyasak Pichetanawin, urged the government to support the use of solar energy, particularly in the industrial sector. Piyasak emphasises the importance of green energy, which can significantly reduce…
-
Heavy drought leaves Lamphun houseboats stranded
Heavy drought has struck the famous freshwater Kaeng Kor Lake in Lamphun, causing a significant drop in water levels and leaving houseboats stranded on land. Tourism services have been temporarily halted until conditions improve. Operators of houseboat services at Kaeng Kor Lake, located in Mae Ping National Park, Li District, Lamphun province, announced the suspension of their boating and restaurant…
-
Phuket governor washes up Kamala after torrential rain (video)
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat spearheaded a substantial cleanup operation in Kamala following heavy rains that caused widespread flooding across Phuket. The downpours yesterday, June 30, led to traffic disruptions, flight delays, and inundated neighbourhoods. Joining the Governor in Kamala were Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Office Suwit Suriyawong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Police Major General Sinlert…
-
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control warns about poisonous wild mushrooms
If you’re one of the adventurous souls who enjoy foraging for wild mushrooms, especially in the rainy season when lots of wild mushrooms emerge, it’s time to be extra cautious. The Department of Disease Control, under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, has issued a stern warning: many wild mushrooms can be “poisonous mushrooms” and pose a serious risk, including death.…
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.