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 one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Caterpillars chomp through 150-rai lotus pond in record time
Millions of caterpillars devoured a 150-rai (approximately 60 hectares) lotus pond at Bueng Phra in Chokchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, within two weeks. Experts identified the culprit as the Nhon Bung caterpillar, a type of moth larvae that prey on lotus plants. What was once a picturesque lotus pond, brimming with vibrant pink blossoms just two months ago, has now turned…
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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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Rayong beach’s dark waters leave a foul odor but no fishy business
The Thai police investigated the appearance of black water at a beach in Rayong, finding a foul odour but no dead marine life. It is suspected that wastewater flowed into the sea following heavy rain over the past week. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center and…
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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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Minor earthquake hits Koh Samui amid severe weather warnings
A 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Koh Samui in Surat Thani, with a depth of 4 kilometres, according to the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department of Thailand. The event occurred at 8.24am, today, May 30, causing noticeable tremors in the area. The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Ang Thong subdistrict, Koh Samui district. Although the quake was relatively…
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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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Northeast Thailand: Wildlife officer mauled by bear survives attack
A brave wildlife officer narrowly escaped death after being mauled by a ferocious bear while patrolling a remote mountain in northeast Thailand. Danai, a 39 year old officer from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, was conducting a routine patrol through dense woodland last Friday, May 17 when an Asian black bear emerged, attacking Danai with its powerful…
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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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Thailand’s hydrogen hype: Fuelling a cleaner future
Thailand is gearing up to construct a hydrogen economy, motivated by both state and business initiatives to advance hydrogen fuel ventures and foster cleaner energy usage. The nation’s potential for a low carbon-driven economy is gaining traction following a joint announcement by PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), the largest petrochemical producer in Thailand, and Bangkok Industrial Gas, the country’s leading industrial…
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NZ engineering giant Beca to drive Thailand’s green future
New Zealand’s leading advisory and engineering consultancy, Beca, is set to shape Thailand’s future, following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s pivotal visit on April 17. CEO Amelia Linzey accompanied the business delegation, underscoring the powerful partnership between the two nations focused on green building and smart infrastructure. Prime Minister Luxon’s visit marked a major milestone in the Thailand-New Zealand relationship, particularly…
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Marine officers to intensify clean up efforts at Koh Phi Phi
Marine officers at Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park are set to intensify clean-up efforts to collect floating rubbish around Koh Phi Phi beach, driven ashore by the monsoon season. This decision follows viral Facebook posts by Associate Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine environmental academic and lecturer at Kasetsart University. He highlights the growing problem of marine debris…
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Buddhist tradition meets eco-friendly innovation
As Visakha Bucha Day approaches tomorrow, Buddhists worldwide prepare to honour the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of complete Nibbana of the Lord Buddha according to tradition. This sacred day, steeped in tradition, sees millions making merit, observing religious precepts, and performing the evening ceremony of wian tian, where devotees walk around temple chapels in a candlelit procession, commemorating the Buddha’s…
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Thailand and Italy to strengthen ties in renewable energy
Thailand and Italy will intensify cooperation in renewable energy, sports tourism, medical science, pharmaceuticals, and defence, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Radklao Intawong Suwankiri. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni will discuss these topics to bolster bilateral ties during the premier’s official five-day visit to Italy which started yesterday. Celebrating the 156th anniversary of diplomatic relations,…
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27 mischievous macaques relocated to new high-security habitat
To curb the rising menace of aggressive macaques terrorising Lopburi, officials unveiled a new sanctuary at the Pho Khao Ton Monkey Garden. The first 27 macaques were ceremoniously released into their luxurious new home yesterday, May 16, complete with a pool and swinging vines fashioned from motorcycle tyres. This relocation is the province’s strategic response to the escalating conflicts between…
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Thailand’s solar panel tax cut scheme to save households on bills
A new tax reduction scheme aimed at encouraging households to install rooftop solar panels is expected to be finalised by mid-year, announced the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE). The initiative seeks to lower electricity bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Households that purchase solar panels with a power generation capacity of less than 10 kilowatts, costing under…
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Lamborghini to debut electric supercar in Thailand by 2028
Automobili Lamborghini, the renowned Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, plans to introduce its new electric supercar to Thailand, with a global debut slated for 2028. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. For years, Lamborghini has been actively developing electric vehicle (EV) technology to support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality, according to…
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Shell-abrate: Phuket releases baby leatherback turtles into Indian Ocean
Eleven baby leatherback sea turtles have been released into the Indian Ocean off the coast of Phuket, Thailand. Marine conservationists are hopeful these turtles will thrive in the wild and return to lay eggs in approximately two decades. These young turtles, each around the size of a rugby ball and a year old, are the result of an intensive conservation…
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Nakhon Ratchasima tackles severe drought with a strategic plan
Facing one of the severest droughts in five years, officials in Nakhon Ratchasima implemented a crucial water allocation plan to ensure sufficient supply for the province’s inhabitants. The strategy aims to distribute 141 million cubic metres of water to sustain the lives of over 600,000 residents across six districts. Officials confirm that there will be enough water for consumption and…
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Bangkok slashes waste with composting, saving 141 million baht
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) successfully implemented a waste composting initiative as part of the Mai Teh Ruam campaign, leading to significant savings in refuse disposal costs. The campaign, translating to Say No to Unseparated Garbage, encourages the separation of perishable waste to create compost, and saw participation from numerous markets and restaurants across the city. BMA spokesperson Ekwathanyu Amrapal announced…
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Invasive sucker fish crisis threatens Thailand’s waterways
Thailand is currently grappling with a severe invasive sucker fish crisis, exacerbated by human actions that have released non-native fish into waterways without considering the environmental impact. These invasive species are wreaking havoc on Thailand’s native ecosystems, causing environmental, economic, and health-related damage. This issue is frequently highlighted in various media outlets. In a recent social media sensation, a fish…
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House committee to strategise on industrial accident prevention
The House Committee on Industry is set to convene tomorrow to deliberate on strategies for preventing industrial accidents. This move follows a series of recent warehouse and factory fires, with the most recent one occurring last week at Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal (MTT) in Rayong. Kamonthas Kittisoonthornsakul, a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP for Rayong and deputy chair of…
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Thailand enhances protection for dugongs following tragic deaths
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, directed officials of national parks and other marine wildlife officers to enhance the protective measures for dugongs. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of two female dugongs, presumably a mother and her calf, that were discovered washed ashore on Koh…
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PM pledges commitment to forest conservation on 4-province tour
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday visited Ratchaburi where he pledged his commitment to forest conservation in Thailand during his four-province tour. The 62 year old Thai prime minister urged relevant agencies to meticulously review public requests for the utilisation of forested areas. PM Srettha emphasised the significance of land rights in improving the living conditions of the populace. However, he…
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