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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Forest fires cut Thailand tourism revenue by 400 million baht
Forest fires in Thailand have severely impacted the economy, with annual tourism revenue dropping from 2 billion baht to 1.6 billion baht. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is urgently implementing prevention plans to address these issues. Director of the National Park Office at the DNP, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn revealed that most forest fires are human-induced, resulting…
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Warning at Jomtien Beach: Erosion creates dangerous slope
Jomtien Municipality placed warning signs around Jomtien Beach, alerting tourists to a hazardous slope formed by erosion. The signs advise visitors to steer clear of the affected area for their safety. A significant portion of the beach, stretching approximately 1 kilometre, has experienced severe erosion due to monsoon waves and strong winds. This natural process has resulted in a steep…
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Thailand promotes OTOP products to boost local economies
Thailand’s deputy interior minister recently presided over the opening of an event aimed at developing and supporting marketing channels for One Tambon One Product (OTOP) items, poised to enhance community enterprises. The event, titled Community Enterprises: United in Promoting Thai Products saw the participation of Deputy Interior Minister Kreang Kalltinant, who was accompanied by several members of the ministry, alongside…
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Ajinomoto’s secret to doubling Thai farmers’ yields
Ajinomoto FD Green (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Ajinomoto FD Green), a leading eco-friendly enterprise and subsidiary of the renowned Ajinomoto Group, is making waves in sustainable agriculture by empowering Thai farmers. Through their innovative Thai Farmer Better Life Partner project, now in its fourth year, they aim to revolutionise cassava and coffee farming. Ajinomoto’s initiative, part of its global 2030 sustainability…
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Black sea menace: Jomtien Beach’s water quality
Sanitation engineering officials descended on Jomtien Beach amid alarming reports of black contaminants in the water. An in-depth inspection was carried out on Monday, June 17, at three key locations: Jomtien Beach at Soi 7, in front of The Now Hotel, and in front of Marine Beach Hotel Pattaya. Initial observations of the seawater revealed a green hue and a…
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Air pollution crisis: Village chief defends age-old burning practices (video)
As the haze season begins, villagers of Ban Mae Lan Kham are preparing to burn their land, adding to some of the world’s worst air pollution. When the haze season descends upon northern Thailand, village chief Nanthawat Tiengtrongsakun and his community start their annual preparations. They cut down shrubs and trees on their small plots, then set controlled burns to…
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Increased rainfall unlikely to cause 2011-like floods, says ONWR
Increased rainfall expected in the coming weeks due to the La Nina phenomenon is unlikely to lead to a repeat of the devastating 2011 floods, according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). ONWR Chief Surasee Kittimonthon confirmed that weather reports predicting less frequent rain this year suggest a low likelihood of major flooding similar to the 2011…
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Thailand’s 44,410 trillion baht mineral reserves unveiled
Thailand harbours over 30 trillion tonnes of mineral reserves, with 40 types of minerals, estimated at a staggering value of 44,410 trillion baht, which could prove pivotal for securing the country’s raw material needs in the coming years, according to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). In a recent press conference, the DMR Director-General, Phichit Sombatmak revealed that the National…
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Buzzing battle: Bangkok unites businesses to combat dengue fever
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Disease Control (DDC) are actively collaborating with businesses to combat the rising incidence of dengue fever, a situation exacerbated by the expanding range of dengue-carrying mosquitoes due to climate change. To commemorate ASEAN Dengue Day, which occurs on June 15, BMA and DDC, in partnership with Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Takeda…
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RTN floods Koh Larn with 170 tons of water amid drought
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessel HTMS Ravi delivered more than 170 tonnes (approximately 154,000 litres) of fresh water to residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya, addressing an ongoing drought. This significant delivery occurred yesterday, prompted by Koh Larn’s struggle with water shortages exacerbated by dry weather and a surge in tourist numbers. In response to complaints from residents and…
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Survey reveals pollution as Thai citizens’ biggest worry
A survey by Marketbuzzz reveals that Thais have declared environmental issues such as pollution as their top public concern for 2024, with 30% of respondents prioritising it, closely followed by rising prices at 28%. This annual survey, running since 2019, highlights the growing unease about environmental issues among Thais, who also rank other concerns like corruption, healthcare, traffic congestion, crime,…
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Sustainability needs more than ESG compliance, says expert
Achieving sustainability requires more than just adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria emphasised that a genuine desire for a better future is crucial. The ESG framework, which has been around since the 1990s, is proving effective in some areas but…
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Thai energy firms question new power plan for carbon neutrality
Thailand’s energy firms expressed concerns that the revised power development plan (PDP) may fall short of the kingdom’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between practicality and optimism. The PDP, which is set to be enforced from 2024 to 2037, aims to promote greater use of renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, energy…
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Phuket ramps up flood prevention as rainy season nears
Phuket City Municipality is ramping up flood prevention efforts as the rainy season approaches, deploying a comprehensive strategy to protect residents and maintain city infrastructure from imminent rain damage. Preparations include mobilising manpower to combat incoming floods, deploying machinery, and distributing sandbags across vulnerable areas to minimise damages, according to Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas. The municipality aims to ensure both…
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Thailand tourism: A sustainable future for long-haul travel
Thailand’s tourism sector is turning its attention to long-haul travellers, leveraging enhanced flight connectivity and a commitment to sustainability. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled an ambitious strategy to attract visitors from far-flung destinations, with a focus on boosting airline routes and promoting eco-friendly tourism. At the recent Thailand Travel Mart+ (TTM+ 2024) in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province,…
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Thailand power companies to spark 112,400 megawatts in 13 years
Thailand’s electricity supply is projected to reach 112,400 megawatts in the next 13 years, with power companies anticipated to play a larger role in power generation, according to the new power development plan (PDP). The country’s power supply was 53,868MW last year, with nearly 80% sourced from fossil fuels and the rest from renewable energy. According to an anonymous source…
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Thailand’s glow-in-the-dark snail steals the show
A bioluminescent snail from Thailand has captured the hearts of thousands, winning the prestigious International Mollusc of the Year 2024 title. Over 50% of the more than 6,000 voters selected this mesmerising mollusc, making it a clear favourite. The annual competition, initiated in 2021 by Germany’s Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics,…
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Ratchaburi farmers back new fertiliser project to cut costs
Farmers in Ratchaburi are optimistic about the Half-and-Half Fertiliser project, designed to alleviate financial strain and reduce production costs for rice farmers. The project, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, aims to support farmers planting rice in the 2024 to 2025 production year by providing 50 kilogrammes of fertiliser per rai, with a cap of 20 rai per…
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Chiang Mai seeks public input on Mae Hod Reservoir project
The Department of National Parks (DNP) in Chiang Mai is gathering public opinions on revoking parts of Ob Luang National Park to construct the Mae Hod Reservoir, aimed at increasing water resources for farmers and reducing drought risks. The Ob Luang National Park, situated in Chiang Mai, opened a forum for stakeholders and local communities to voice their opinions on…
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Koh Phayam fears Land Bridge project will disrupt island’s harmony
Koh Phayam, located 17 kilometres off the Andaman Sea coast, is known for its unspoiled forests and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking peaceful recreation and the charming lifestyle of local fishers. Covering a 35km² area, it stands as the second largest island in Ranong Province. In recent years, Koh Phayam has garnered attention as a…
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Company in Pak Chong under investigation for waste dumping
The Thai authorities have launched an investigation into a company in Pak Chong for waste dumping into the soil, resulting in a strong chemical odour, officials are urgently collecting groundwater samples for lab analysis. The incident came to light when images were shared, showing the private company in Klang Dong, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, seemingly dumping waste directly into…
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10 green and beautiful parks in Bangkok to heal the mind with colour therapy
Embrace the healing power of nature with colour therapy in Bangkok’s beautiful public parks. These green spaces are known to have a calming effect on the mind, and Bangkok offers numerous parks where residents and visitors can find serenity. Here are ten must-visit parks in Bangkok, each offering a unique environment for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Bangkok’s must-visit public parks…
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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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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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Health officials address beetle infestation in Khon Kaen
Millions of beetles have invaded a home in Khon Kaen, causing significant distress for a couple until local health officials intervened. The invasion of wood-boring beetles has been linked to the area’s favourable conditions for their breeding. Yesterday, public health officials from Kranuan District in Khon Kaen conducted a thorough fumigation of a house located at 74 Moo 9, Ban…
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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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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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Giant Mekong stingray sets new record as largest freshwater fish
A giant Mekong stingray has shattered the record for the world’s largest freshwater fish, overtaking the previous titleholder, the Thai giant catfish, which held the record for nearly two decades. A wildlife and nature documentary page recently released images of this colossal stingray, confirming its new status. The wildlife documentary page reported that the Mekong stingray now holds the record…
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