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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Reservoir of worry: Nakhon Ratchasima braces for 2025 dry spell
Nakhon Ratchasima is currently facing a severe water crisis, with alarmingly low water levels in its reservoirs. Concerns are growing about potential water shortages for consumption and use in the dry season of 2025. The provincial governor urged residents to conserve water and may consider halting off-season rice farming. A meeting was held yesterday, October 30, at the new building…
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‘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…
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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…
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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…
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EU Green Diplomacy Weeks in ASEAN 2024 kicks off with a fun run/walk and green action events
The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, officially kicked off the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The launch featured already 2nd edition of the dynamic five-kilometre fun walk and run titled “EU-ASEAN Green Transition for Sustainable Planet and More Positive Impact” (GET UP and MOVE). Around 500 participants took part, including representatives…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Rare Malayan tapir spotted near Thai-Malaysian border
A rare sighting of a Malayan tapir near the Thai-Malaysian border in Narathiwat province has caught the attention of Thai officials from the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary. Local villagers alerted officials yesterday, October 18, after spotting the tapir on October 16 at around 7pm, feeding on fallen rambutans for about an hour before retreating towards the border. Residents in the Waeng…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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Researchers discover four new plant species in northern Thailand
Researchers have identified four new plant species in northern Thailand, showcasing the nation’s rich biodiversity. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced the findings, which were made by the department’s researchers in collaboration with botanists from Kasetsart University and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Attapol Charoenchansa, the department’s chief, stated that the discoveries were part of…
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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…
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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…
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Kao Thailand celebrates 60 years of clean streaks, happy households
Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., is rolling out the red carpet for its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of serving Thai households with beloved brands like Attack, Magiclean, Haiter, Curel, and Laurier. As the first overseas arm of Japan’s iconic Kao Corporation, established in 1964, Kao Thailand has been banging the drum for hygiene & protection while upping the ante…
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Thousands of dead fish wash ashore in Patong, alarming locals
Beachgoers in Patong were met with a shocking scene yesterday, October 11, as thousands of dead fish washed ashore, prompting immediate concern among locals, tourists, and officials. Various species of fish were scattered along the beach, driven in by strong winds and waves. The sudden die-off has left officials scrambling to identify the cause of this marine disaster. Locals quickly…
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Phuket to hold ceremonies for mudslide victims next week
Phuket will collaborate with local agencies to host ritual ceremonies next week, aiming to build morale and honour those who perished in the recent mudslide tragedy. Sophon Thongsai, director of the Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that the event is set to commemorate the victims of the catastrophic mudslide that struck on August 23 at 5am in…
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Stork raving success: Endangered bird’s triumphant return to Thailand
In a ground-breaking win for wildlife conservation, Thailand has achieved an unprecedented milestone: critically endangered Asian woolly-necked storks have bred in the wild for the first time. These majestic birds, once at risk of vanishing forever, are back and thriving in their natural habitat. Officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo were thrilled to…
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Thai king’s birthday sparks 10 royal projects to transform Bangkok
To celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday, the Thai government has launched 10 ambitious royal projects under the theme Forest, Water, People. These initiatives align with His Majesty’s vision to blend environmental conservation with improving the quality of life for Thai citizens. Among the standout projects is the Elevate Pocket Park initiative, a partnership between the government and…
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Chumphon residents force asphalt factory closure over decade-long pollution
Residents of Chumphon have taken decisive action to close an asphalt factory due to persistent odours and dust that have plagued their community for over a decade. Despite previous complaints and promises of resolution, the problems have persisted, prompting renewed protests. Yesterday, October 9, approximately 50 residents from several villages in Saphli Subdistrict, Pathio district, Chumphon province, gathered in front…
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Thai forest department eases land use rules for state agencies
The Royal Forest Department (RFD) plans to streamline its regulations to simplify land use for state agencies, as announced by RFD Director-General, Surachai Achalaboon. This initiative aligns with the new policy set by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on. Surachai highlighted that the department will amend existing laws to be more flexible, facilitating local authorities in obtaining forest use…
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Power play: B.Grimm sets sights on electrifying China and Greece
B.Grimm Power appears to be on a mission to take over the global energy scene, with China and Greece now in its sights. The Thai energy giant is exploring renewable projects in these two countries, aiming to add several hundred megawatts to its portfolio. CEO Harald Link teased the plans but kept most details under wraps, stating that talks were…
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Tourists flee Pranburi Beach over mysterious needle-like creatures
Tourists and locals alike were left stunned when Pranburi Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan was suddenly overrun by thousands of bizarre, transparent, needle-like creatures yesterday, October 8. Stretching across a 5-kilometre section of the popular beach, from Khao Kaloke to the Pranburi River mouth, these strange intruders have set social media abuzz with curiosity—and concern. Photos of the peculiar creatures…
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Green dreams: EU-ASEAN leaders forge path to eco-future
Top EU-ASEAN business leaders and cooperation agencies came together for a high-powered Partners’ Dialogue forum to tackle the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN’s green transition. The event was hosted by none other than the European Union’s Ambassador, H.E. Sujiro Seam. Representatives from EU-ASEAN institutions, member states, businesses, and cooperation agencies gathered to share insights and experiences on ASEAN’s journey towards…
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Fishing for solutions: Thailand turns invasive tilapia into tasty sauce
Thailand’s Department of Fisheries has unveiled an innovative approach to combat the invasive blackchin tilapia by converting them into fermented fish sauce. To tackle the spread of this species, which endangers commercially valuable fish stocks in nine provinces, the department will collaborate with local communities to process the blackchin tilapia into the popular condiment, according to department chief Bancha Sukkaew.…
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Making waves: Boxwall Flood Barrier leaves sandbags high and dry
Say farewell to drudgery with sandbags, there’s a new player in town, and it’s making quite the splash. The innovative Boxwall Flood Barrier is swiftly outshining traditional sandbags as the ultimate flood defence, particularly highlighted during the recent northern deluge. In a shining example of preparedness, the Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai flaunted its forward-thinking approach by lining up these…
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Bio-cement project launched to combat soil salinity in Thailand
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) have launched an innovative project to address agricultural issues caused by soil salinity in northeastern Thailand using bio-cement. Thidarat Bunsri, part of the Smart Biomaterials and Technology Research Group at KMUTT, explained that bio-cement is created through microbial-induced calcium carbonate. The key organic compound in this process…
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Turtle-saving tech: Thai students invent beach lamp
Thailand’s sea turtles are getting a lifeline, thanks to a bright idea from students at Chulalongkorn University. Enter COCOLAMP—a clever light-diverting bulb shade designed to protect baby turtles from disorienting beach lights, ensuring they can safely crawl to the sea. With sea turtles at risk of extinction, this innovation could make all the difference. Lights from beachfront hotels, resorts, and…
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Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) aims to resolve disputes over 75,000 square metres of forest land by 2026, as announced during its 22nd anniversary celebration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on addressed the ongoing conflicts between the DNP, other government agencies, and residents regarding the forest boundaries. He emphasised the need to find solutions…
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