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 Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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Ang Thong park still positive amid worst coral bleaching in decades
Ang Thong National Marine Park is experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with conditions expected to improve by August. The park anticipates earning over 40 million baht in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Ang Thong National Marine Park is grappling with a significant coral bleaching crisis, its most severe case in the last…
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Thailand’s plan to turn food waste into lifesavers
Thailand unveiled a plan to tackle food waste and hunger. The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has teamed up with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) to outline the creation of a national food bank. NSTDA’s vice president for strategy and budgeting, Nuanwan Sanguansak, spearheaded a public hearing on Sunday, July 7, aimed at gathering feedback on managing…
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No plastics allowed: Koh Nang Yuan protects coral reefs
Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Koh Nang Yuan, renowned for its three interconnected islets with pristine white sands, has long upheld a strict no-plastic policy. This rule extends to the thousands of tourists who flock to its shores each day,…
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Locals protest against dolomite mine near Thai national park
Protests erupted near Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi as locals voiced their opposition to the opening of a private dolomite mine on a 540-rai plot of land, situated just 1 kilometre from the national park. Concerns centre around the potential negative impacts on their way of life and the park’s environment. Somchet Chantana, Director of the Phetchaburi Office of…
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Thailand govt to review Thap Lan National Park boundary
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan addressed public concerns over the proposed boundary adjustments to Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima. Public opinion will be considered before final decisions are made by this Friday, July 12. The issue currently undergoing public consultation has drawn mixed reactions, with some citizens voicing…
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Salaween River reroute raises fishy fears: Ecological impact alarm
Concerns are mounting over the potential ecological impact of diverting water from the Salween River to the Ping River, with experts warning of a possible decline in fish stocks due to invasive species and genetic contamination. Fisheries biologist Apinan Suwannarak from Maejo University revealed that the Nam Yuam Dam project, which aims to redirect up to 1.8 billion cubic metres…
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Dam it all! Khon Kaen’s concrete defence crumbles
A concrete-reinforced dam in Khon Kaen, in place for over 18 years, has broken due to water erosion from a large reservoir, creating a 20-metre gap. Officials are now rushing to repair the breach to prevent further damage. The dam, located in Ban Loeng, Khon Kaen, was built in 2006 and has been maintained by the local administration. The recent surge…
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Pattaya plunged! Streets submerged after heavy rain havoc
Heavy rainfall early today in Pattaya City led to severe flooding, submerging streets and stranding numerous vehicles. The sudden downpour created chaos in various key locations, significantly impacting daily life. Many cars and motorcycles were unexpectedly caught as water levels rose swiftly, particularly affecting sedans parked along roadsides. Notable areas such as Third Road, the Mum Aroi Restaurant intersection in…
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Love bug: Rare blue beetle blooms in Phayao village
A rare blue love flower beetle was discovered in Mae Sai Village, Phayao province, feeding on the leaves of a climbing plant. This small, shiny insect with distinctive features is increasingly hard to find. Phan Yudee from Mae Sai Village, Phayao Province, recently encountered a blue love flower beetle, a rare insect, feeding on the leaves of a climbing plant.…
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Singapore’s food for thought: Official keen on Thai collaboration
In a significant step towards ensuring food security, a high-ranking Singapore official expressed a keen interest in collaboration with Thailand. This landmark meeting promises to reshape the agricultural landscape for both nations. Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and Environment Stanley Loh held talks with Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Agriculture Ministry, on Tuesday, July 2. The meeting…
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Mae Hong Son hit by 3.1 magnitude earthquake, mild tremors
An earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale struck Mae Hong Son today causing mild tremors felt by residents. The quake, which occurred at 5.23am, today, July 4, had its epicentre in the Huai Pu Ling sub-district, Mueang district of Mae Hong Son. The Department of Mineral Resources’ Earthquake Operations Center, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reported…
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Thailand vows stronger action against transboundary haze pollution
Thailand has pledged to intensify efforts against transboundary haze pollution in collaboration with regional partners, according to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan. Phatcharavat announced yesterday, July 3, at an ASEAN sub-regional ministerial committee meeting on haze pollution in Bangkok. Representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand attended the meeting, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer. Expressing gratitude for the collaborative…
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Blackchin tilapia fish threatens Songkhla Lake
The Songkhla provincial fisheries office is urging the public to report any sightings of the invasive blackchin tilapia in local waterways. This predatory fish, originally from Africa, poses a severe threat to the delicate balance of Songkhla’s aquatic ecosystems. Sightings of the blackchin tilapia have been confirmed in several canals within the Ranot district, which are directly connected to Songkhla…
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Chiang Rai residents protest lignite coal pollution from Laos
Residents of Chiang Khong are facing severe distress due to pollution caused by a private company transporting lignite coal from Laos. Despite multiple complaints, the issue remains unresolved, prompting the district chief to order a temporary halt to the transportation. Mong Saenyai, a resident of Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai Province, yesterday, July 2, revealed that villagers from Ban Mai…
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Phuket’s inadequate infrastructure development raises concerns
Inadequate infrastructure development in Phuket is struggling to match the island’s rapid urbanisation and severe flooding, tarnishing its reputation. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient budget and upgrade public facilities as promised is a significant concern. The President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, highlighted that 60% of tourists are first-time visitors who might not return if infrastructure issues…
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Korat locals protest against potash mining expansion
Korat locals gathered in force to protest against the government’s controversial plan to grant additional mining concessions in their province. Amid growing tensions and heartfelt pleas, the demonstrators demanded compensation for the devastating impacts existing mines have already had on their lives. The protesters, arriving at Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima University at 9am, were determined to deliver their message to Prime…
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Heavy drought leaves Lamphun houseboats stranded
Heavy drought has struck the famous freshwater Kaeng Kor Lake in Lamphun, causing a significant drop in water levels and leaving houseboats stranded on land. Tourism services have been temporarily halted until conditions improve. Operators of houseboat services at Kaeng Kor Lake, located in Mae Ping National Park, Li District, Lamphun province, announced the suspension of their boating and restaurant…
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Rare Begonias turn Phitsanulok forest into a fairytale wonderland
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Phitsanulok province has transformed into a vibrant wonderland, thanks to the blooming heart-shaped leaves of Begonia Arenosaxa. These exquisite plants, typically flourishing in rainforests during the rainy season, are painting the forest floor in shades of red, creating a breathtaking contrast against the lush greenery. Visitors who embark on the Lan Hin Pum…
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Phuket governor washes up Kamala after torrential rain (video)
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat spearheaded a substantial cleanup operation in Kamala following heavy rains that caused widespread flooding across Phuket. The downpours yesterday, June 30, led to traffic disruptions, flight delays, and inundated neighbourhoods. Joining the Governor in Kamala were Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Office Suwit Suriyawong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Police Major General Sinlert…
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Thailand’s Department of Disease Control warns about poisonous wild mushrooms
If you’re one of the adventurous souls who enjoy foraging for wild mushrooms, especially in the rainy season when lots of wild mushrooms emerge, it’s time to be extra cautious. The Department of Disease Control, under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, has issued a stern warning: many wild mushrooms can be “poisonous mushrooms” and pose a serious risk, including death.…
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Military joins hunt for agarwood poachers in Khao Yai National Park
Faced with a surge in illegal agarwood poaching, Khao Yai National Park Chief Chaiya Huayhongtong announced a bold new strategy today: Enlisting the military’s help to protect the park’s valuable resources. Chaiya stated that poaching has increased significantly. The culprits are believed to have entered the park from the Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, as well as Prachin Buri…
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Tourists warned after box jellyfish stings near Bamboo Island
National Park officials in Krabi issued urgent warnings about deadly box jellyfish after three tourists were stung near Bamboo Island in Phi Phi Archipelago. The tourists, who were all injured, have since been treated and are now in stable condition. The warning signs have been posted by the Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, cautioning tourists and those engaging…
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Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier cleanup unveils stunning new look
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent visit sparked a major makeover at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. The seaside hotspot, famous for its bustling activity, is undergoing a massive transformation that promises to leave locals and tourists in awe. Following the Thai premier’s directive, an army of sanitation and waste management officers from the Pattaya City Environment Department, along with other…
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Nakhon Ratchasima faces water shortage as rainy season begins
Nakhon Ratchasima faces a severe water shortage crisis just as the skies open for Thailand’s rainy season, with water reserves for the province’s water supply at a critical 34%. Lam Chae Dam, one of the key reservoirs, currently reports no new water inflows. Farmers in the area downstream of Lam Chae Dam, one of the four main dams in Nakhon…
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Korat village under water: Residents left high and dry without aid
Flooding has plagued a village in Korat for over five days, leaving residents without assistance. Some have been forced to rent temporary accommodation due to the severe conditions. A local, Teerapat Nuwongsri, shared photos of villagers wading through water and homes submerged in water. His post highlighted the ongoing struggle, noting that while his house remains submerged, other areas had…
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Phuket board urges better waste separation management
Phuket grapples with the challenge of managing its daily solid waste, with waste separation emerging as a critical focus. Members of the Phuket Provincial Governance Board yesterday conducted an inspection of the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Centre and Incinerator at Saphan Hin. Peeraphit Aongcharoen, Vice Chairman of the Board, led the delegation to monitor and assess the progress of budget…
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Sri Lanna Park adopts drones and firebreaks to combat wildfires
Sri Lanna National Park adjusted its wildfire prevention strategies, incorporating controlled burns to tackle forest fires effectively. Park Chief Anon Kullanin revealed that using drones to monitor and map the fires significantly aided the firefighting efforts. Sri Lanna National Park recently faced a challenging wildfire situation. According to Anon, the park utilised drones to identify hotspots and plan entry routes…
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Heavy rain floods Bangsaen Beach, disrupting local businesses
High waves battered Bangsaen Beach in Chon Buri province yesterday, scattering debris across the coastline, and disrupting local businesses as seawater overflowed during the high tide. Heavy rainfall flooded Bangsaen Beach and the Wonnapha-Bangsaen Beach Road in Saensuk sub-district, Mueang Chon Buri district. Waves reached over 1 metre, discouraging beachgoers from enjoying the beach. Fortunately, as of today, Bangsaen Beach…
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Warning issued for venomous jellyfish at Phuket’s Racha Yai Island
A warning has been issued about the presence of the highly venomous Portuguese Man o’ War jellyfish in the waters of Lah Bay and Tue Bay at Racha Yai Island, Phuket. Tourists and those engaging in marine activities in the area are advised to exercise extreme caution to avoid contact with these dangerous creatures. The Department of Marine and Coastal…
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BMA and Yokohama join hands to move forward in solving environmental problems
Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, is welcoming Dr Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama City and the Yokohama City Executive Committee Japan as well as representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Thailand. This is on the occasion of visiting BKK EXPO 2024 at the Benchakitti Forest Park Museum building, Khlong Toei District in the discussion of environmental problems. At this event,…
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