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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Maya Bay reopens after two-month environmental rehabilitation
Maya Bay, the iconic destination in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands, will welcome visitors once more after a two-month closure for environmental rehabilitation. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), led by its Director-General Attapon Charoenchansa, confirmed the reopening of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Lor Kor Bay, marking the end of their temporary closure from August…
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Reasons for high electricity bills in Thailand’s apartment
Have you ever been shocked by a high electricity bill, even though you’re very thoughtful about how you use it? It can be frustrating when the numbers just add up, leaving you wondering what went wrong. But there are often reasons behind these surprising costs. Let’s take a closer look at one woman’s experience and see if you might relate…
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Solar power push: A bright idea to boost clean energy at home
The National Energy Policy Administration Committee are deliberating an increase in the purchase of solar power from households to bolster clean energy initiatives and promote the installation of rooftop solar panels, according to an energy official. The committee had previously sanctioned a plan to acquire 90 megawatts (MW) of solar power from homeowners, spanning from 2021 to 2030. Recent advocacy…
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Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge
Phuket grapples with a mounting waste crisis as tourism surges post-pandemic. The island’s waste disposal plant now receives 1,100 tonnes of garbage daily, a significant rise from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year, according to deputy governor Norasak Suksomboon. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, where 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers…
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11 provinces warned of rising Chao Phraya River levels
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has alerted 11 central provinces along the Chao Phraya River to brace for rising water levels as the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat increases its water drainage rate. RID acting Director-General Det Lekwichai issued the warning yesterday, September 26, to the governors of Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya,…
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Thailand to introduce carbon tax to curb emissions this year
Thailand is set to implement a carbon tax this year, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced at the Road to Net Zero 2024: The Extraordinary Green event. The Finance Ministry plans to propose the carbon tax measure to the Cabinet for approval soon, with the goal of rolling it out in the coming months. Paopoom explained that this measure aims to…
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Chiang Mai pings alarm: River hits record high, flooding fears return
The water level of the Ping River in Chiang Mai reached its highest point last night, breaking previous records and exceeding the severe flooding of 2011. This led to flooding in several areas of the province, including vital economic zones such as the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan Road. Channel 7 reported today, September 26, that the water…
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Eco-friendly castaway: Phuket hosts 25th ITOP Forum for sustainable island tourism
Phuket proudly hosts the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum, welcoming representatives from island destinations across the globe from September 24 to 27. With over 150 leaders and policymakers from tourism hubs such as Bali (Indonesia), Hainan (China), Jeju Island (South Korea), Okinawa (Japan), and Zanzibar (Tanzania), the event aims to foster collaboration and share strategies for sustainable tourism development…
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Pattaya’s million-baht plan to save Koh Larn’s water supply
In a high-stakes bid to protect Koh Larn from future water shortages, a team from Pattaya City inspected the ambitious Haad Samae Beach reservoir renovation on Sunday, September 22. With a whopping 7.5 million baht budget on the line, this project is set to breathe new life into the neglected reservoir, ensuring locals have access to a reliable water supply…
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Chiang Mai braces for potential flooding as water levels rise
Urgent warnings from the Chiang Mai Irrigation Office have been issued regarding the expected rise in water levels at Nawarat Bridge. The water is predicted to peak at approximately 4.45 metres early tomorrow morning. The Chiang Mai Irrigation Office 1 announced today, September 25, that due to the influence of Typhoon Surigae, significant rainfall from three days ago has caused…
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New alert system to be rolled out for natural disasters in Thailand
The Government of Thailand is set to roll out SMS alerts for natural disasters, ensuring the public is warned of impending danger, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong revealed today. Prasert, who also serves as deputy PM, announced that the decision was made during a high-stakes meeting yesterday, September 23, attended by key players such as the Disaster Prevention…
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New land slug species discovered in Thailand
Two newly discovered species of land slugs have been identified in Thailand, prompting further research on their conservation. The Animal Systematics Research Unit at Chulalongkorn University revealed these findings yesterday, September 23. Land slugs, also known as banana slugs in central Thailand, belong to the same group as snails but have lost their shells completely. Locally, they are known by…
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East Pattaya residents fear sinkhole could swallow up their homes
Residents of Soi Wat Boon Samphan in East Pattaya are living in fear as a massive sinkhole threatens to swallow their homes. Locals of Soi Wat Boon Samphan 11, which connects to Soi Wat Boon Samphan 9, raised the alarm over severe erosion that has ravaged the road behind their village, fearing the worst is yet to come. A visit…
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Nemo’s profit party: Clownfish breeding makes 1 million baht splash
The Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Trang has successfully bred over 20 species of clownfish, commonly known as Nemo fish, this year, resulting in sales surpassing those of the previous year and generating nearly 1 million baht in revenue. Trang Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre director Patcharee Soonsan announced yesterday, September 23, the achievement of breeding 20…
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Rail-y bad landslide derails Lampang-Chiang Mai train services
Travel chaos struck the northern rail line today as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced an indefinite shutdown of services between Lampang and Chiang Mai due to a devastating landslide and severe flooding. The dramatic incident unfolded last night, wreaking havoc on the track between Mae Tan Noi Railway Station in Lampang and Tha Chompoo in Lamphun. The rail…
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Koh Loi residents face severe rubbish and mud post-flood crisis
Residents of Koh Loi in Chiang Rai are grappling with overwhelming amounts of rubbish and mud following severe flooding. The floodwaters from the Kok River, which surged on September 11, have left the community struggling to clean up, with waste accumulating and emitting foul odours. Flooding has severely impacted the Koh Loi and Thoet Phra Kiat communities, causing significant damage…
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Phuket: Lifeguards rush to save turtle washed ashore in Thalang
Lifeguards at Bang Tao Beach in Thalang district, Phuket, faced an unexpected rescue mission this morning when a 30-kilogramme sea turtle, too weak to swim, was found washed ashore. The beach patrol team, led by Wirun Chuea-saman, head of the Surin-Bang Tao Beach lifeguards, quickly sprang into action. “We spotted the turtle during our routine patrol. It wasn’t injured but…
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Severe storm sinks seven fishing boats in Koh Libong
A severe storm hit Koh Libong, resulting in seven local fishing boats sinking and significant damage to resorts and homes. The residents are currently self-reliant due to impassable sea conditions, with waves reaching 2 to 3 metres high. Yesterday, September 18, reports emerged of intense rainfall and strong winds striking Koh Libong, Moo 5, Ban Lang Khao, Koh Libong subdistrict,…
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Waste not, want not: Thailand tightens reins on dirty paper imports
Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department is cracking down on dirty deals—literally. Stricter import controls on waste paper are in the works to safeguard public health and protect the environment. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, Foreign Trade Department Director-General, dropped the bombshell. The Commerce Ministry has been inundated with reports all year from concerned entrepreneurs. These tip-offs revealed that imported waste paper is ending up…
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Flooding in Thailand reduced to 13 provinces, 45 dead, 24 injured
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) initially reported that 30 provinces experienced flooding but it has now reduced to 13 provinces. Some 45 people have died, and 24 sustained injuries. Efforts are ongoing to assist those affected and alleviate public distress. The floods, which occurred between August 16 and yesterday, impacted 30 provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai,…
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Satun province faces severe flooding amid heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in four districts of Satun province, affecting eight subdistricts and 26 villages. The continuous downpour led officials to establish boats in flood-prone areas and mobilise resources for 24-hour monitoring and assistance. Heavy rain has been battering Satun province since yesterday, September 16, resulting in significant flooding in the districts of Khuan Don, Mueang Satun, Tha…
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Thailand and Myanmar to expand catchment areas amid flood crisis
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is negotiating with Myanmar officials to find collaborative solutions to the regional flood crisis. Discussions focus on expanding catchment areas to alleviate the flooding impact. Myanmar faces severe flooding due to storms and water flowing from the highlands into the Salween River. The Thai embassy in Myanmar is facilitating discussions between agencies from both nations…
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Severe storm hits Phatthalung, leaving homes roofless
A severe storm hit Phatthalung, causing significant damage to homes and property. Strong winds, referred to as a Lom Hua Duan by locals, and heavy rain devastated the area, leaving at least 14 homes roofless and five homes completely destroyed. Yesterday evening, strong gusts of wind combined with heavy rainfall struck the Khuan Sawaeng village in Khok Sai subdistrict, Pa…
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Ubon Ratchathani prepares for Mekong River flood threat
Ubon Ratchathani’s governor has instructed all relevant departments to prepare for the imminent overflow of the Mekong River and its tributaries, expected to inundate five districts in four days. Today, September 16, Suphasit Kochareonyot, Ubon Ratchathani governor, along with disaster prevention and mitigation officials, inspected the Khong Chiam district, where the Mekong River converges with the Mun River. The Mekong…
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WHAUP to invest 2.3bn baht in renewable energy projects
WHA Utilities and Power (WHAUP), a subsidiary of Thailand’s largest industrial land developer WHA Corp, is set to invest 2.3 billion baht to bolster its operations and meet the rising demand for water and renewable energy in Thailand and Vietnam. A significant portion of this budget will be directed towards expanding renewable energy, aiming to achieve an electricity generation capacity…
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Drain expectations: Water woes in Thailand get fast-tracked fix
Government officials are pulling out all the stops to accelerate water drainage in the flood-stricken northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. The 58 year old deputy PM emphasised that swift action in draining water into the Mekong River could dramatically lessen the flood impacts compared to the…
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Mekong your way to better flood control: Experts call for joint effort
The International Rivers Network issued a stark warning, calling on the government to urgently team up with neighbouring nations to manage the Mekong River more effectively. The aim? To cut economic losses and save lives when future floods hit. Pianporn Deetes, the Campaign Director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, revealed that recent devastating floods in…
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Singha Park aids Chiang Rai flood victims with central kitchen
Singha Park Chiang Rai has set up a central kitchen to aid flood victims by providing drinking water, cooked food, and ready-to-eat meals in response to the severe flooding in various areas of Chiang Rai. The flooding has particularly affected the Mueang district, where the Kok River has overflowed, submerging homes and causing widespread damage. In the Mae Sai district,…
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Boy stranded in Chiang Rai floodwaters prompts urgent rescue plea
A plea for urgent help emerged as an eight year old boy found himself stranded behind an apartment building in rising floodwaters in Chiang Rai. His aunt posted a distress call on social media, requesting immediate assistance as they had lost contact with the boy and feared for his safety. Yesterday, September 11, a reporter highlighted the severe flooding situation…
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Village headman dies saving girl in Chiang Mai landslide
A landslide in Mae Ai, Chiang Mai, claimed the life of a village headman who died while saving a young girl. His body was found 10 kilometres away from the scene, amid widespread mourning from the community. A devastating landslide occurred in Ban Doi Laem, Moo 13, Doi Laem subdistrict, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, resulting in six fatalities and…
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