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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Thai PM Srettha and Cambodian PM engage in talks over air pollution crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared his intention to engage in a crucial dialogue with Cambodian leader Hun Manet to tackle the alarming surge of transboundary air pollution. PM Srettha, expressing concern, revealed that a look at the satellite map shows that most of the relevant hotspots are in Cambodia, and the wind is blowing from the east. The MODIS satellite,…
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Monkey mayhem: Tails of mischief make headlines worldwide
Recent incidents of monkey attacks have been in the headlines recently in several countries, featuring long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques in Thailand, Japanese macaques in Japan, and Hanuman langurs in India. While these incidents might paint monkeys as villains, the root cause is a phenomenon called over-habituation. Devil monkeys are born when animals lose their fear of humans due to over-habituation,…
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Water pistol standoff and UFO jellyfish take top honours in wildlife photo competition
A young girl pointing a water pistol at a monkey and a celestial squadron of jellyfish saucers have clinched top prizes at the 50th European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The captivating collection, featuring mischievous animals and breathtaking landscapes, drew over 1,000 entries from professionals spanning 36 countries, overwhelming judges with a staggering 19,000 submissions. Organised by the German Society for…
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Thailand PM2.5 air pollution discussed at global summit
In a historic first for the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO), Thailand played host to the Role and Fate of Forest Ecosystems in a Changing World conference, where the PM2.5 situation was discussed. Over 80 experts from across the globe converged at King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to unpack the dire implications of air pollution and…
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West Thailand: Newly discovered black-and-white striped snake lurks in Khao Krachom
On the treacherous slopes of Khao Krachom in Thailand, a slithering menace lurked in the shadows, its brightly coloured stripes tempting fate. Unbeknownst to the fearless adventurers, this 3-foot-long creature turned out to be a sinister surprise: a newly unearthed species, now named Bungarus sagittatus, the barbed arrow krait. Scientists, daring the dangers of the elusive creature, uncovered the venomous…
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Scientists at Mahidol University link PM2.5 exposure to onset of osteoporosis
A team of scientists from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Science, focusing on osteoporosis, recently discovered a potential link between fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and the onset of osteoporosis. They observed that lab rats exposed to PM2.5 developed bone inflammation, leading to an increase in bone-degrading cells called osteoclasts. The research, carried out by the Centre of…
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Thailand’s NSM Foundation uncovers five unique insect and one plant species
The National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation in Thailand recently uncovered five unique insect species and a novel plant species, bolstering the nation’s strides in the arena of scientific discovery. The revelation was made public by NSM President, Assistant Professor Rawin Raviwongse, last Wednesday. The insect species discovered encompass three distinct earwig species, namely Mongolabis chiangmaiensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023; Mongolabis…
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Significant drop in forest fires in Chiang Mai and northern region
Protected Areas Regional Office 16 Director Kritsayam Kongsatree revealed an unprecedented 79% drop in blazes across Chiang Mai and its northern neighbours. Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) Chief Kritsayam manages a colossal 7.8 million rai encompassing 19 forests in Chiang Mai and Lamphun. His proactive patrolling initiatives have slashed the number of hotspots from the ominous…
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Bangkok battles severe PM2.5 pollution, health warnings issued
Bangkok and several provinces across Thailand are currently grappling with dangerously high levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, exceeding standard pollution values and posing a significant health risk. Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district recorded the highest levels, urging the public to wear masks outdoors at all times for protection. The situation monitored hourly, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Higher…
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Thailand’s Land Bridge project eyed for boosting economy amid local concerns
Thailand’s Land Bridge project, a major infrastructure initiative resembling a proposed shortcut through Southeast Asia, dominated the recent mobile Cabinet meeting in Ranong. Residents expressed apprehensions to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, highlighting potential environmental damage and disruptions to their lifestyle. In the face of forecasted stagnant GDP growth, the government views the Land Bridge project as a promising solution for…
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Hazardous haze engulfs Thailand provinces with dangerous PM2.5 levels
A hazardous haze of ultra-fine dust engulfed 35 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, January 28, predominantly affecting the central plains. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, which was released at 8am. The report classified nine provinces as suffering from red-level air pollution, indicating serious harm due to the…
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No fast solution for Bangkok’s air pollution problem
Experts are urging Thailand to tackle its air pollution crisis head-on, branding it a structural issue requiring citizen-led solutions. The discussion unfolded during the Journey to Clean Air event, orchestrated by the British and Australian Chambers of Commerce in Bangkok. Diving deep into potential solutions, the discourse highlighted institutional limitations and the pivotal role citizens play in driving change towards…
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Phuket aims to slash greenhouse emissions by 440,000 tons by 2030
Phuket officials assembled on Wednesday for an in-depth training workshop on the Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS). The mission: to slash the island’s greenhouse gas emissions by a hefty 440,000 tons – that’s 9.6% of the island’s total emissions – by the year 2030. The workshop was masterminded by Watthanaphong Suksai, the director of Phuket’s Natural Resources and Environment office.…
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Monks reveal details on vicious elephant attack in West Thailand
Details have emerged regarding a fatal elephant attack that occurred on January 23 in the Sri Sawat district of Kanchanaburi. Reports flooded in when a village head received alarming news from locals that the lifeless body of 50 year old Phra Maha Bancha, a monk on a spiritual journey, had fallen victim to a brutal elephant attack. The gruesome scene unfolded…
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Tiny feline duo rescued: Leopard kittens find new home in wildlife sanctuary
In a heartwarming rescue mission, two pint-sized leopard cats, abandoned in a sugarcane plot in Phichit‘s Sam Ngam district, have been saved by officials from Protected Areas Regional Office 12, Nakhon Sawan. The fluffy feline siblings, just a month old, were discovered by wildlife guardians, unharmed and thriving on their specially crafted milk diet. Playful and already bonding with their…
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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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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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Thachang Green Energy projects major expansion by 2026 with new power plants
Thachang Green Energy (TGE), an operator and developer of biomass power plants listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), projects a significant business expansion between 2025 and 2026. This growth is attributed to the additional power generation capacity from imminent power plant projects. While no capacity increment is planned for this year, TGE predicts a revenue surge of over…
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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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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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Thai government officials inspect 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject amid environmental concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit embarked on an official visit to the Andaman region, with Ranong, the site of the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject, as their first stop. The project, expected to generate significant benefits across the southern region, is facing criticism due to its potential environmental impact. The officials inspected a…
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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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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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Reef-rescue ripples: Marine department dives deep to tackle 338kg ghost net near Rin Island
In a splash of environmental heroism, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, along with volunteer divers, dove into action to tackle a colossal problem near Rin Island in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. On Wednesday, January 17, the team embarked on a mission to untangle a whopping 338kg ghost net that had ensnared a coral reef. Prompted by concerned divers,…
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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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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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