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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Thailand’s 44,410 trillion baht mineral reserves unveiled
Thailand harbours over 30 trillion tonnes of mineral reserves, with 40 types of minerals, estimated at a staggering value of 44,410 trillion baht, which could prove pivotal for securing the country’s raw material needs in the coming years, according to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). In a recent press conference, the DMR Director-General, Phichit Sombatmak revealed that the National…
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Wildfires in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex reduced by 40%
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reported a significant reduction in wildfires within Thailand’s Western Forest Complex, attributing the success to integrated efforts from various sectors which reduced wildfires by over 40%. Director of Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression, Narupon Thipmonta revealed that the most affected area was the Srinakarin Dam National Park in Kanchanaburi Province.…
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Buzzing battle: Bangkok unites businesses to combat dengue fever
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Disease Control (DDC) are actively collaborating with businesses to combat the rising incidence of dengue fever, a situation exacerbated by the expanding range of dengue-carrying mosquitoes due to climate change. To commemorate ASEAN Dengue Day, which occurs on June 15, BMA and DDC, in partnership with Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Takeda…
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RTN floods Koh Larn with 170 tons of water amid drought
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessel HTMS Ravi delivered more than 170 tonnes (approximately 154,000 litres) of fresh water to residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya, addressing an ongoing drought. This significant delivery occurred yesterday, prompted by Koh Larn’s struggle with water shortages exacerbated by dry weather and a surge in tourist numbers. In response to complaints from residents and…
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Sustainability needs more than ESG compliance, says expert
Achieving sustainability requires more than just adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria emphasised that a genuine desire for a better future is crucial. The ESG framework, which has been around since the 1990s, is proving effective in some areas but…
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Third sea turtle rescued from fishing nets in Phuket this week
Another sea turtle, entangled in discarded fishing nets, washed ashore in Phuket yesterday. The young turtle was found by lifeguards on Kalim Beach, north of Patong, amidst a mix of debris. Patong Surf Life Saving Club lifeguards successfully freed the turtle by cutting away the netting before notifying officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). DMCR officials…
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Thai energy firms question new power plan for carbon neutrality
Thailand’s energy firms expressed concerns that the revised power development plan (PDP) may fall short of the kingdom’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between practicality and optimism. The PDP, which is set to be enforced from 2024 to 2037, aims to promote greater use of renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, energy…
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Phuket ramps up flood prevention as rainy season nears
Phuket City Municipality is ramping up flood prevention efforts as the rainy season approaches, deploying a comprehensive strategy to protect residents and maintain city infrastructure from imminent rain damage. Preparations include mobilising manpower to combat incoming floods, deploying machinery, and distributing sandbags across vulnerable areas to minimise damages, according to Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas. The municipality aims to ensure both…
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Thailand power companies to spark 112,400 megawatts in 13 years
Thailand’s electricity supply is projected to reach 112,400 megawatts in the next 13 years, with power companies anticipated to play a larger role in power generation, according to the new power development plan (PDP). The country’s power supply was 53,868MW last year, with nearly 80% sourced from fossil fuels and the rest from renewable energy. According to an anonymous source…
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Monsoon storms causes immense erosion of Na Jomtien Beach
Severe monsoon storms and heavy rains have led to significant erosion along Na Jomtien Beach, causing safety concerns for beachgoers and tourists. Authorities from the Pattaya Harbor Office and Na Jomtien Municipality inspected the affected area and are moving quickly to address the situation. The Director of the Pattaya Harbor Office, Ekkarach Kantharo, explained that the erosion is a natural…
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Thailand’s glow-in-the-dark snail steals the show
A bioluminescent snail from Thailand has captured the hearts of thousands, winning the prestigious International Mollusc of the Year 2024 title. Over 50% of the more than 6,000 voters selected this mesmerising mollusc, making it a clear favourite. The annual competition, initiated in 2021 by Germany’s Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics,…
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Ratchaburi farmers back new fertiliser project to cut costs
Farmers in Ratchaburi are optimistic about the Half-and-Half Fertiliser project, designed to alleviate financial strain and reduce production costs for rice farmers. The project, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, aims to support farmers planting rice in the 2024 to 2025 production year by providing 50 kilogrammes of fertiliser per rai, with a cap of 20 rai per…
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Koh Phayam fears Land Bridge project will disrupt island’s harmony
Koh Phayam, located 17 kilometres off the Andaman Sea coast, is known for its unspoiled forests and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking peaceful recreation and the charming lifestyle of local fishers. Covering a 35km² area, it stands as the second largest island in Ranong Province. In recent years, Koh Phayam has garnered attention as a…
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Thailand goes green: Major push for sustainable tourism unveiled
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an ambitious plan to boost sustainable tourism, revealed at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024, held from June 5 to 7 in Phang Nga. A key highlight of these plans is hosting Asia’s second Tourism Cares summit in 2025. Partnering with the US-based NGO, this summit will focus on promoting regenerative…
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Company in Pak Chong under investigation for waste dumping
The Thai authorities have launched an investigation into a company in Pak Chong for waste dumping into the soil, resulting in a strong chemical odour, officials are urgently collecting groundwater samples for lab analysis. The incident came to light when images were shared, showing the private company in Klang Dong, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, seemingly dumping waste directly into…
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10 green and beautiful parks in Bangkok to heal the mind with colour therapy
Embrace the healing power of nature with colour therapy in Bangkok’s beautiful public parks. These green spaces are known to have a calming effect on the mind, and Bangkok offers numerous parks where residents and visitors can find serenity. Here are ten must-visit parks in Bangkok, each offering a unique environment for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Bangkok’s must-visit public parks…
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Thailand to introduce carbon tax by 2025, oil tax burden unchanged
The Excise Department plans to introduce a carbon tax by 2025, with the overall oil tax burden expected to remain unchanged. This move aims to align with the Global Warming Act, which is set to be enacted in 2025. According to the Director-General of the Excise Department, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the department has examined global practices for implementing a carbon tax…
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Police uncover illegal hazardous waste sites in five provinces
Royal Thai Police (RTP) are actively unearthing hazardous waste that has been illegally dumped or buried across Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchabun, and Rayong provinces, as revealed by an assistant police chief. Police Lieutenant General Thatchai Pitaneelabut revealed yesterday that police gathered evidence implicating two companies, Win Process and Aek Uthai, in the illegal burial of industrial waste in…
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La Niña weather phenomenon likely to further fuel food inflation
The Commerce Ministry is closely observing the transition from the El Niño to La Niña weather phenomenon, which could impact Thailand’s inflation, especially concerning food items like fresh vegetables and fruit due to their water sensitivity. Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), Poonpong Naiyanapakorn stated that data from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) shows that El Niño…
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Health officials address beetle infestation in Khon Kaen
Millions of beetles have invaded a home in Khon Kaen, causing significant distress for a couple until local health officials intervened. The invasion of wood-boring beetles has been linked to the area’s favourable conditions for their breeding. Yesterday, public health officials from Kranuan District in Khon Kaen conducted a thorough fumigation of a house located at 74 Moo 9, Ban…
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Thailand urged to adopt nuclear power for carbon-zero goals
Nuclear power and artificial intelligence (AI) are suggested as viable public policies to assist Thailand in achieving carbon-zero and sustainable development goals. This solution is suggested by the Chief Executive Officer of the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, Suphachai Chearavanont. Speaking at the Bangkok Post Conference 2024, Suphachai emphasised the significance of these measures in Thailand’s sustainability efforts. He highlighted the…
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Pattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches led a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Thai National Tree Day, held as part of a wider initiative to move Pattaya towards a low-carbon city. The event, held yesterday, May 30, was a city-wide affair, consisting of attendees from members of the Pattaya City Council, citizens, and volunteers. The city announced that Pattaya has been chosen by…
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Bangkok’s flood battle plan: Governor teams up with TMD
To combat flash floods during the looming rainy season, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). This dynamic duo aims to revolutionise the city’s response to heavy rains and floods, promising faster and more efficient interventions. After a high-stakes meeting with Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Director-General of the Meteorological Department of Thailand, and top officials…
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Giant Mekong stingray sets new record as largest freshwater fish
A giant Mekong stingray has shattered the record for the world’s largest freshwater fish, overtaking the previous titleholder, the Thai giant catfish, which held the record for nearly two decades. A wildlife and nature documentary page recently released images of this colossal stingray, confirming its new status. The wildlife documentary page reported that the Mekong stingray now holds the record…
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Cabinet’s coastal crusade: 3 notifications to protect Andaman Sea
The Cabinet approved three ministerial notifications aimed at protecting the environment in Phang Nga, Krabi, and Ranong, three coastal provinces along the Andaman Sea. Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Police General Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, announced yesterday, May 29, that two notifications from his ministry had received approval during a meeting held yesterday. The approved notifications focus on…
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World Otter Day highlights conservation efforts in Thailand
Today marks World Otter Day, an initiative aimed to raise awareness about the protection of otters, classified as endangered wildlife. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) designated the last Wednesday of May each year to highlight the threats facing otters, such as habitat destruction, illegal fur trade, pollution, and poaching. Otters, members of the weasel family, are the largest animals in…
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Death toll rises in Papua New Guinea’s catastrophic landslide
In the wake of a catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) grimly raised its estimate of the death toll, now surpassing 670. As emergency responders and anguished relatives come to terms with the situation, hopes of finding survivors are fading. The Chief of the UN Migration Agency’s mission of the South Pacific island nation,…
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Nakhon Ratchasima farmers wade through ‘rice-crisis’ as floods surge
Heavy rains and storms have hit Nakhon Ratchasima, causing significant concern among local farmers due to widespread flooding of rice fields. The continuous downpour over the past few days has completely engulfed the farmlands, thwarting the growth of the seedlings, which have just begun to sprout. A 76 year old local farmer, Ken Tethaisong, from Sarai Subdistrict in the Chum…
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Record sea temperatures devastate coral reefs and marine life
Record sea surface temperatures in Thailand’s eastern gulf coast are causing severe damage to the region’s aquatic life, raising concerns among scientists and local communities. Coral reefs that were once vibrant and colourful, situated about 5 metres underwater, have turned white due to coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates deteriorating health caused by elevated water temperatures. Data reveals that sea surface…
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Bangkok’s new drainage upgrade halves rainwater clearance time
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the newly implemented road drainage system in the Udomsuk area will significantly improve rainwater drainage efficiency. Heavy rainfall over Bangkok prompted Chadchart to visit Udomsuk Road, also known as Sukhumvit Soi 103, to assess the flood situation following The Meteorological Department of Thailand’s (TMD) declaration of the official start of the rainy season. The…
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