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.
-
Mun River’s flood tide brings venomous twist to northern Thailand
The continuous rise of the Mun River has resulted in severe flooding, submerging nine districts in Ubon Ratchathani, northern Thailand. Inhabitants scramble to evacuate while also dealing with venomous animals, including snakes and scorpions, that have been displaced by the floodwaters. Agricultural damage is extensive, with an estimated 46,000 acres of farmland affected. The flooding has also impacted tens of…
-
Severe flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima sparks fears of 1980 disaster repeat
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima causing residents to hastily evacuate their homes. The situation has raised concerns of a repeat of the devastating floods of 1980. The Thai authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially in the Lam Takhong area. Khao Yai National Park Head, Chaiya Huay Hongs Thong, reported that the depression storm has led to…
-
Thai govt dives into action: Plans to flood fields with innovation and debt suspension
Plans are underway by the Thai government to accelerate the expansion of water sources and enhance the varieties of rice and other key crops in Thailand. Recommendations have also been made for the proposed debt suspension scheme to operate with conditions. These suggestions were made by Nipon Puapongsakorn, a distinguished fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), who highlighted…
-
Phuket’s pristine promise: Chalong’s no-littering sign takes center stage
In a bid to maintain cleanliness and orderliness, the Chalong Municipality erected a sign prohibiting littering and the dumping of garbage in Phuket. This commendable move is aimed at preserving the beauty and hygiene of the municipality. According to Chalong’s village headman Kokchai Sae-Ung, the land is privately owned. Last year, approval had been given to raise the site using…
-
Thai ministry’s water woes: Bueng Boraphet faces aquatic crisis with levels plummeting tenfold
The Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment yesterday investigated the water situation at Bueng Boraphet, revealing that the water level is ten times lower than the previous year, creating a water crisis that could impact the ecosystem. The secretary, Jatuporn Burusphat, ordered continuous water replenishment from today. Accompanied by Pichit Sombatmak, Deputy Secretary, and other concerned officials,…
-
El Niño effect forecasted to lower Thai rice production in 2023-24
The Agricultural Economics Office of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry in Thailand forecasted a decline in rice production for the 2023-24 harvest season. The expected drop is approximately 871,000 tonnes, a decrease of 3.27%, totalling 25.8 million tonnes. This significant decrease is primarily due to the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Department,…
-
Intense plankton bloom threatens Chon Buri’s marine life and mussel farms
A severe plankton bloom, unusually dense in nature, has emerged off the eastern coast of Chon Buri province, leading to the formation of what marine scientists are referring to as an aquatic “dead zone.” This situation poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local fishermen and the operations of mussel farms in the region. In specific areas of the…
-
Bangkok’s stormy wake-up call: Governor urges preparedness as capital weathers surprises
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged the city to be on high alert after storms hit the capital this week resulting in a number of unexpected incidents such as tree collapses, power outages, and flooding. This includes mobilising vehicles from various districts to facilitate the transportation of citizens in risk-prone areas. The command centre reported heavy rainfall yesterday in the Bang…
-
Shaky start: Chiang Rai rumbles with four earthquakes, but no harm done
Chiang Rai, a northern province in Thailand, experienced four minor earthquakes this morning, the most powerful registering a magnitude of 3.6. According to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department, no damage or casualties have been reported. The initial tremor, with a magnitude of 3.6, was detected at 12.45am under tambon Dong Mada in the Mae Lao district.…
-
Mayor’s trash-tigation: Chalong clamps down on waste disposal after viral aerial reveal
The mayor of Chalong has enforced a swift ban on any further waste disposal at a three-rai site in Baan Khoktanod, Moo 9, Chalong, following the spread of an aerial image of the site on social media. The image, first shared by the Facebook page Monsoon Garbage Thailand, prompted immediate action from local authorities. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew assigned Thanaporn…
-
Monsoon mayhem: TMD forecasts heavy rains for 51 provinces, including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning for heavy rains caused by monsoons affecting 51 provinces across the country, including Bangkok, with 70% of the areas expected to be hit hard. The warning, issued today, September 18, forecasts continuous rain for the next 24 hours due to a moderate monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions. The…
-
Phuket’s forest-working group takes root: Mapping a path for protected land issues
Phuket’s inaugural meeting of a newly established working group, tasked with resolving issues concerning residents residing in or near the Bang Khanun Protected National Forest, resolved to develop a database to record all land parcels owned or occupied within the forest area. The decision also included creating a map of the occupied areas within the forest. The resolution was made…
-
Dolphin tragedy: Tangled in net, washed ashore in Chon Buri
A dolphin carcass was discovered today washed up on the shores of Bangsaen beach, near Laem Thaen roundabout, in Chon Buri. The 2 metre long, 50 kilogramme animal had a fishing net entangled around its tail, suggesting it had been dead for approximately two to four days. Amornsak Saksaensilp, a 33 year old member of the Sea Patrol Volunteers, relayed…
-
Hat Wanakorn Park scoops Thailand Tourism Silver Award
The National Park of Hat Wanakorn, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan, has been honoured with the prestigious Thailand Tourism Silver Awards in the category of Natural Tourist Attractions. The award was presented to Netnapha Ngamnet, the head of the park, today. The National Park of Hat Wanakorn is renowned for its conservation efforts and commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. The park’s…
-
Wine flood submerges Portuguese town after 2.2 million-litre tanks bursts
Portugal experienced an unusual flood of red wine when approximately 2.2 million litres burst from storage tanks on September 10, flowing downhill through the town of Sao Lourenco do Bairro in central Anadia. The wine combined with the natural slope of the area created a startling spectacle reminiscent of a forest river, much to the bewilderment of the locals. The…
-
Royal battleships make a reefinement splash as underwater tourism sets sail off Koh Tao
The royal battleships Su Phairin and Han Hak Satru just took their last splash as they were submerged undersea to form refinement ambassadors. Rear Admiral Charasakiat Chaiphan, commander of the 2nd naval area, led the initiative, all part of the underwater learning park project to take the plunge into underwater tourism. The two decommissioned vessels found their new home off…
-
Newly discovered Nishimura comet visible in Thailand this Sunday
Keep your eyes pointed upwards this weekend as Thailand will be treated to a rare celestial sighting. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has revealed that the Thai population might have the opportunity to observe the newly discovered Nishimura comet this Sunday evening as it approaches the sun. The comet, officially tagged as C/2023 P1 and named after…
-
Dead fish boom caused by sudden plankton bloom in Sri Racha
, A beach in Sri Racha was transformed into a macabre spectacle as a vast number of dead fish washed ashore on Friday, September 8. The sight at Bang Phra Beach was both surprising and concerning, with the sheer volume of dead fish proving too substantial for an accurate estimate. Locals, familiar with the ebb and flow of the seaside…
-
Tourism Authority of Thailand eyes sustainable green strategy
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed its renewed commitment to promote the country as a ‘sustainable destination’, championing environmental conservation. TAT’s Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, unveiled this green strategy, aiming to familiarise international travellers with Thailand’s proactive stance towards embracing global sustainability trends. Thailand, known for its vibrant culture, exotic cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, is now determined to enhance…
-
Thai taxi drivers seek incentives to shift to electric vehicles
Taxi drivers across Thailand, represented by the Thai Public Taxi Association, are petitioning the country’s transport minister for a financial incentive package to facilitate their switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Association Chairman, Sadit Jaitiang, plans to bring up this key concern during a vital meeting slated for next Friday with Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The meeting is expected to address…
-
Thai government’s rainy day plan: Combating drought and El Nino
Confronted with the detrimental impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Thai government is mobilising to tackle the decreasing rainfall and drought plaguing the nation’s agricultural sector, according to Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Following a special Cabinet meeting yesterday, PM Srettha highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of the agricultural community and the nation at large. The…
-
Jomtien Beach fishing frenzy: Pattaya’s untidy shoreline sparks concerns
Jomtien Beach in Pattaya has been a subject of concern recently due to the cluttered state of its local fishing section. The area, specifically near the Chaiyapreuk intersection, has been criticised by citizens for being untidy and disorganised, potentially harming the city’s tourism image. This area serves as a docking and temporary seafood market spot for local fishermen. Locals have…
-
Draining dilemma: ONWR chief dives into Phuket’s watery challenge
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) Secretary-General visited Phuket to see if he could manage to solve the popular Thai island’s daily wastewater conundrum. Phuket has to deal with about 55,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily. ONWR Secretary-General Surasee Kittimonthon visited Phuket to address the resort’s water management issues, including flooding and potential droughts. Surasee inspected the Patong Municipality…
-
Oil spill disrupts Sri Racha coast, Thai Oil Company responds swiftly
The waters off Sri Racha coast in Chon Buri were tainted by an oil spill on Sunday night, September 3. The Thai Oil Public Company Limited’s refinery, located in the Sri Racha district, reported the leakage during an oil discharge from a tanker at the Single Buoy Mooring Buoy (SBM-2). Approximately 45,000 litres of crude oil seeped into the sea,…
-
Climate change hits Thai economy, calls for smart agriculture surge
The economy has been negatively impacted due to the challenges presented by climate change, leading to a decrease in farmers’ income because of reduced production, and affecting foreign investment. This has subsequently resulted in higher inflation and cost of living and impacted the export of agricultural products and food. This insight is according to a recent study conducted by the…
-
Chery’s EV dreams charge ahead in Thailand: BoI blessings pending
China‘s Chery International, through its subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo International Co, intends to establish an electric vehicle (EV) production facility in Thailand, pending Board of Investment (BoI) privileges. Qi Jie, Thailand’s national director at Omoda & Jaecoo International, will unveil detailed investment and business plans in the coming months. Chery, one of China’s top vehicle manufacturers, plans to introduce two…
-
Severe drought in Uthai Thani prompts wildlife migration, risks for locals
Uthai Thani’s Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is grappling with a severe drought attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, prompting elephants and various other species to migrate into nearby regions in search of food, according to an official announcement. The sanctuary’s wildlife breeding station chief, Tonsak Nipanan, stated that wildlife has encroached upon the station’s area and beyond. The breeding…
-
Thai research probes herbal solutions to PM2.5 dust-related chronic diseases
In promising scientific research, experts are exploring the potential of three herbal plants in combatting chronic diseases connected to PM2.5 dust. The focal point of this collaborative project is to address the health challenges arising from prolonged exposure to harmful PM2.5 dust particles, a pressing concern in regions affected by air pollution. The collaborative efforts have seen researchers from Chaophraya…
-
Endangered marine species in Thailand: Governer’s plea for protection
A call to action for the protection of endangered marine species has been made by Surat Thani Governor Wichawut Jinto. The plea came in response to a recent marine survey, carried out over a nine-day period in the Gulf of Thailand, which revealed a worrying decline in the population of certain species. The endangered marine species survey, conducted by the…
-
Severe storms to hit Kanchanaburi: flash floods, forest runoff risks
Kanchanaburi is on high alert for severe storms, with the local authorities warning of the risk of flash floods and forest runoff in two districts. The announcement, made by acting governor, Ronnapop Wiangsima, comes after the Thai Meteorological Department issued a strong storm warning. This warning is in effect from today until September 3, affecting Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhla…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.