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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Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
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Thailand to launch green investment trusts for forestry initiatives
Thai regulatory bodies are paving the way for the establishment of investment trusts dedicated to forestry and tree-planting initiatives. These new financial products, dubbed green investment trusts, are part of an effort to diversify the capital markets and provide financial support to sectors that align with carbon neutrality goals. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, the secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),…
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Phetchabun taskforce dismantles illegal resorts in forest reserve
Authorities in Phetchabun province acted swiftly on a tip-off regarding encroachment upon the Khao Polklon Forest Reserve. In a coordinated operation, the Tiger Forestry Taskforce, along with other units, detained five individuals linked to luxury resorts and a café constructed illegally in the Khao Kho area. The mission underscored the government’s commitment to preserving national forest reserves and highlighted the…
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Thailand’s new green utility tariff boosts renewable energy use
The unveiling of a Green Utility Tariff (GUT) next month is set to bring about a significant progression in renewable energy use within Thailand, bolstering local businesses and attracting foreign investment. This move has been eagerly awaited by numerous companies considering expansion into Thailand, as they seek not only the necessary infrastructure but also a source of clean energy to…
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Imminent monsoon to disrupt lower southern Thailand with high waves
A severe monsoon is set to hit the lower southern provinces of Thailand between today and January 27, causing heavy rain and high waves in the Gulf of Thailand. The Meteorological Department of Thailand’s (TMD) Southern East Coast Centre, headed by Komon Promsakha Na Sakolnakorn, issued its third warning, advising against sea travel as waves are expected to reach up…
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Mobile Cabinet allocates 552 million baht for Andaman Coast development
A total of 552 million baht (US$15 million) has been allocated by the mobile Cabinet towards the development of 18 new projects across six southern provinces on the Andaman Coast. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 23, after a Cabinet meeting in Ranong. The projects, proposed by the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee responsible for the southern…
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Phuket eyes 50 million baht funding for critical environmental projects
A sense of optimism is in the air as Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat expressed confidence that the province would secure funding for two critical environmental projects. These projects are part of the emergency budget deliberations at the mobile Cabinet meeting in Ranong. The governor elucidated that each province has an allocation of 50 million baht under consideration. The funds are intended…
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Shell shocker: Tragedy strikes leatherback turtle on Phang Nga beach, but record-breaking nest brings hope
A leatherback turtle met its demise on a Phang Nga beach, ensnared in a trap. However, amidst the sorrow, a record-breaking moment unfolded as another of these incredible creatures left a legacy with an astounding 92-egg nest. Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, unveiled the discovery of a deceased leatherback turtle. This female giant,…
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Magnitude 7.0 earthquake tremors hits China and three other nations
A powerful land earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck China today, causing tremors felt across four countries, followed by 17 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 4.1 to 5.8. The incident took place today early this morning as reported by the Disaster Management Centre of the Department of Mineral Resources at 1.09am local Thai time. The earthquake’s epicentre was located at a depth…
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PM Srettha to submit PM2.5 dust plan within court’s 90-day deadline
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday his intention to submit a plan designed to address the issue of PM2.5 fine dust within a 90-day deadline set by the Chiang Mai Administrative Court. The court order followed a formal complaint lodged by a northern network of individuals, requiring the Thai prime minister and the national environmental panel to draft the plan.…
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New tiger discovery in Chumphon province’s forests sparks transboundary patrol theory
Three tigers, believed to traverse between Thailand and Myanmar, have been discovered in Chumphon province’s forests. The big cats were detected last Friday in the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which forms the border between the two countries. The tigers are suspected of patrolling the forests of Duang Charoen, Nern Thong, and Chong Kamew in the Ta Sae district’s Song Pee…
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Northern Thailand experiences temperature drop as smog levels rise
The northern region of Thailand is currently experiencing a decrease in temperature of 1-3 degrees Celsius due to a moderate high-pressure system covering the northeast and the South China Sea. Concurrently, weak westerly winds in the upper regions blanket the north, resulting in cool to cold weather with morning fog. Meanwhile, areas in the northeast, central, east and upper south…
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PTTEP boosts gas production at Erawan to avoid hefty fine
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) is stepping up gas production at the Erawan gas block in the Gulf of Thailand to avoid a hefty fine. The penalty would be due to a failure to supply the volume of gas stipulated in a contract signed with PTT Plc, Thailand’s sole gas dealer. The chief executive of PTTEP, Montri Rawanchaikul, expressed…
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Clean Air Bills passed in Thai Parliament
At the House of Representatives, lawmakers united across party lines to pass seven Clean Air bills after an exhilarating debate which concluded with an overwhelming 443 votes in favour and just one abstention. A coalition of government and opposition parties, alongside a civil society organisation, orchestrated this legislative symphony. To ensure meticulous examination, a formidable 39-member committee, comprising both government…
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Thai herbs: Nature’s secret weapon against deadly PM2.5 dust
Whilst Bangkokians battle with the silent killer, the potent PM2.5 air pollution, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine unveils a game-changing solution to combat the notorious dust particles threatening the health of residents in the capital city. Amidst rising concerns over the long-term health impacts of PM2.5 exposure, Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the face of the Centre for Covid-19…
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Tiny tusker in a mud muddle: Brave Thai park rangers rescue baby elephant in perilous plight
A group of intrepid park rangers in Thailand stumbled upon a lone baby elephant at Tat Mok National Park, trapped in mud up to its tiny ears, faced a perilous fate until the rangers stepped in. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) revealed that on January 11, vigilant park rangers discovered a baby elephant ensnared in…
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Central Thailand: Residents demand urgent action as lead pollution threatens Klity Creek
Long-suffering residents of Klity Creek in Thong Pha Phum district are reaching their breaking point as they intensify their fight against lead pollution. Petitioning the Pollution Control Department (PCD), these fed-up villagers demand action to eradicate the lingering toxic sediment, amounting to a staggering 800,000 tonnes, still plaguing their community. The apparent failure of the PCD’s much-hyped rehabilitation programme has…
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Update: Chiang Mai Night Safari confirms four zoo animals died, not 13
Kritsada Lapimon, Deputy Director of the Pinkanakorn Office and Director of the Central Administration Office performing duties on behalf of the Director of the Pinkanakorn Development Office, chaired a press conference to clarify the number of deaths of animals at the Chiang Mai Night Safari yesterday, January 15. Thitirat Tawanwong, Deputy Director of the Pinkanakorn Development Office and Director of…
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Thai naturalist embarks on a 1,000km trip to save Mekong River
The Mekong River, a lifeline for millions, is currently in a state of distress. Naturalist Paramin Wannakornbancha, known as Bass, embarked on a 1,000-kilometre journey on foot to raise awareness about the river’s plight. His journey, which started yesterday, January 15, has been warmly welcomed by local fishermen who are heartened by the younger generation’s concern for the river. In…
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Thailand recalibrates incentives to boost renewable energy initiative
The Industry Ministry is set to recalibrate incentive packages for organisations as part of the RE100 global renewable energy initiative. This move is intended to allure more investors and facilitate new investment within the nation. RE100, a worldwide initiative comprising hundreds of companies, is committed to 100% renewable energy usage. This aligns with Thailand’s ambitions of reducing carbon dioxide emissions…
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Work from Bangkok home possible due to increased PM2.5 pollution
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) struck a deal with civic groups, proposing work from home plan for 50,000 of the city’s workers if PM2.5 intensity hits the red level for three consecutive days, declared Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The 57 year old city chief, in a strategic morning meeting with top-tier administrators, addressed the escalating PM2.5 dust crisis throttling the…
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Bangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. As a result of this alert, the PCD has implored individuals residing in the capital to opt for remote working until the situation improves. The intensifying accumulation of PM2.5 pollutants, according to…
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Unpredictable weather warning for 40 northern Thailand provinces
A forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for 40 provinces in northern Thailand of unpredictable weather conditions, including storms and hail, from January 13 to 16, 2024. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to experience a drop in temperature starting from today. The Director of the TMD, Karnwi Sitthijiphak, announced the fourth weather alert…
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History makes a splash: World’s rarest whale steals the spotlight in cinematic encore (Video)
History has once again etched a remarkable sighting into its records, with the world’s rarest whale being captured on film for only the second time. This exceptional event transpired in the waters off Thailand, where a pair of elusive Omura’s whales were spotted swimming together in the Andaman Sea, one of which bore a distinctive, all-white hue. The surprise encounter…
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Thailand and Cambodia join forces to tackle transboundary haze pollution
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday unveiled plans to form a joint task force with Cambodia to combat transboundary haze pollution. The decision was made ahead of a scheduled meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet set to take place in Thailand on February 7. The leaders will undertake a joint study tour to Sa Kaeo province, an area severely impacted…
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Thai PM approves Clean Air bill: A milestone for environmental protection
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday penned his approval of the Clean Air bill. The signing ceremony took place at 9.30am on January 11 in Chiang Mai during the PM’s scheduled visit to review the city’s public transportation systems and ongoing air pollution issues. This move was a significant stride towards addressing Thailand’s air pollution predicament, a subject that has…
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Bangkok governor defends city’s fourth plan revision amid public criticism
Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, stood firm in defence of the city’s fourth plan revision amid public censure for its perceived favouritism towards developers. The 57 year old city chief yesterday, January 11, responded to the criticism by affirming City Hall’s receptiveness to constructive feedback while cautioning against potentially divisive comments. Chadchart explained via a Facebook post that the…
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Thai PM sparks a brighter future: Electric mass transit pledge to zap pollution in Chiang Mai
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledged to foster the development of electric mass transit systems as a solution to the persistent air pollution issues plaguing the northern province. 61 year old Thai prime minister noted that the fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) levels had considerably decreased since his last visit on November 28 of the previous year. The…
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PM Srettha’s official visit to Chiang Mai aims to boost Thai tourism and tackle PM2.5
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday embarked on an official visit to Chiang Mai with a delegation to inspect key government policy projects such as transportation network systems, measures to tackle PM2.5 dust particles, and tourism promotion initiatives. During the three-day scheduled trip from January 10-12, PM Srettha encountered the renowned Lieutenant Somboon Banchamek, also known as Buakaw, who was training…
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Bangkok Governor Chadchart coordinates campaigns to combat PM2.5 with draft bill
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stipulated guidelines for preventing and solving the PM2.5 dust problem in the Thai capital, yesterday, January 10, at Bangkok City Hall, Din Daeng. A campaign has been implemented to change engine oil and air filters according to the usage cycle accordingly to reduce dust caused by dark smoke and exhaust emissions from the combustion engine (diesel). Both…
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Governor’s bold move against toxic haze: Chiang Mai’s war on farm fires heats up
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn is leading the charge against the annual curse of PM2.5 pollution caused by the burning of agricultural residue. In a teleconference with the province’s 25 district chiefs, he laid down strict instructions to tackle the issue head-on. The provincial administration has already taken a decisive step by banning unauthorised burning of farm waste from January…
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